Embrace the Change: Why you have to say Goodbye to your old self in order to find happiness

Change is the only constant in life, yet many of us find it challenging to embrace. We often resist change because it pushes us out of our comfort zones and into the unknown. But what if I told you that for things in your life to change, you have to change first? It's time to bid farewell to the old version of yourself and welcome a new beginning with open arms.

Now I know that every journey of transformation begins with a single step — the decision to let go of the familiar and embrace the unfamiliar. For me, it was the day I sent out my resignation letter. It came as a shock to everyone who knew me and thought I was taking the path of becoming a cardiologist - so did I. And I was just as shocked. I remember holding that letter in my shaky and sweaty hand, handing it out to my boss, who looked at me in pure disbelief. Half of what he had told me, I haven't even heard, since I was so strongly focusing onto not bursting into tears right in front of him and tearing that resignation into pieces right there at that very moment. But I composed myself - until the second I left his office. Then I broke down. Leaving the "comfort zone" and stepping into the unknown is quite frightening. I burst into tears.

It took me a while to realise that the true transformation is all about shedding the layers of your past self and embracing the potential of who you can become. Saying goodbye to the old you is not about erasing your past or denying your experiences; it's about acknowledging them and using them as stepping stones toward growth. Soon, I will realise that it was not enough to simply (though it wasn't that simple at all) quit my job - which I deeply loved - I was still a bit lost and confused. What was I missing?

Myself, of course. I still needed to let go of my old identity. My only mistake was that I was changing the world around me, in hopes that the one inside of me would follow. It is the other way around. You need to alter your thoughts, everything you once believed in, the way you saw the world, your mindset and the world around you will begin to change, too.

"Ships do not sink because of the water that surrounds them, but because of the water that gets in them."

Now, though my ship was far from sinking, I was still sailing the wrong seas and needed to get back on track. And I definitely needed to do something about that "water" flowing deep inside of me. And that is your primary task too, if you decide to do something about your life. The only real change comes from within.

Think about the areas of your life where you feel stuck or dissatisfied. Whether it's your career, relationships, health, or personal development, change starts with you. You cannot expect your circumstances to change if you keep doing the same things over and over again. It's time to break free from the chains of complacency and take proactive steps toward a brighter future. Embracing change requires courage and resilience. It means confronting your fears, insecurities, and limiting beliefs head-on. It's about challenging the status quo and daring to dream bigger than ever before. The journey of self-transformation is not always easy, but it is incredibly rewarding. With each step forward, you become stronger, wiser, and more empowered to create the life you desire.

I wasn't desperate at my old job - as a matter of fact, I loved it. I loved everything about cardiology and was always fascinated by it. In addition, being able to help people in need and actually save lives, was unarguably the most precious feeling I have ever felt, and for that I am forever thankful. But still, my heart wasn't at the right place. And deep down I knew, I belonged elsewhere. Where I can also help others, impact people's lives without having to resuscitate them. And I learned how to touch people's hearts, without literally touching their hearts.

No matter where you currently are in your life, I am here to remind you that you are not defined by your past mistakes or failures. Every setback is an opportunity for growth and self-discovery. Instead of dwelling on what went wrong, focus on what you can do differently moving forward. Use your past experiences as lessons to fuel your journey toward personal evolution.

As you bid farewell to the old version of yourself, embrace the power of self-reflection and introspection. Take the time to identify your strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement. Set clear goals for yourself and develop a plan of action to achieve them. Surround yourself with positive influences and support systems that uplift and inspire you along the way. Surround yourself with like-minded people, people who are taking the same unexplored, steep road as you are, because there will be days when you will slip and might need a hand.

It's important for us to recognise that change is not a one-time event but a continuous process. Embrace it as a natural part of your growth journey and trust in your ability to navigate whatever challenges come your way. And as you embark on this journey of self-transformation, remember that the power to change lies within you. Say goodbye to the old version of yourself with gratitude for the lessons learned and the strength gained along the way. Embrace the infinite possibilities that await you and step boldly into the next chapter of your life. Your best self is waiting to be unleashed—Are you ready to embrace change and create the life you deserve?

Goodbye Lola, the (future) Cardiologist. It's been an honour and a pleasure.

Lots of love, L