EMBRACING CHALLENGES AND CHANGE

By Emma Roberts

Awhile ago I read a book that embedded itself deeply into my mind. The Midnight Library, by Matt Haig, was a powerful reminder to me of how one single decision can change the entire course of your life. The Midnight Library is an infinite library of all the various stories of the character’s life if she had taken the other fork or said ‘yes’. The people she didn’t meet, the places she never saw, the opportunities she didn’t take, the lives she never lived.

The reality that a simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’ can completely shunt us in one or another direction can be scary or exhilarating, depending on your mindset. A ‘yes’ can often be the option that takes us out of our comfort zone, a ‘no’ is arguably often the easier or safer option. In fact, putting your brain outside its comfort zone and developing skills you may find challenging can actually help the brain to become more flexible and resilient. The island is abundant with challenging activities and events throughout the whole year that can help you step outside your usual boundaries and, perhaps, change your life and that of those around you. For example, Walk the Wight on May 14th raises huge funds for Mountbatten Isle of Wight. With multiple routes that suit all ages and abilities with epic views it sounds like the perfect adventure! The event happens every year, so if you missed it this year, there’s always 2024!

We often think that important or famous people create great historical events or create shifts and changes in our lives, and they do, as the history books tell us. However, we are all capable of it too. So, instead of avoiding taking a path in life you have always been interested in for fear of failure, put yourself out of your comfort zone and take the chance. As they say, if not now, then when? If not you, then who? You never know where your story may lead or how you could positively change your or other people’s lives.