A Healthy Dose of Change

Moving across the country after graduation was the best thing that could have happened to me.

After what seemed like four eternal years in Toronto, an amazing job opportunity brought me back home to my beloved Vancouver. The problem was that most of my high school friends had moved on, and at first, I was less than enthused at the prospect of living with my parents again. With all of my friends living at least a five-hour flight away, and with no one to engage with, I was worried that this major change in my life would trigger another bout of depression, which I was adamant to avoid. Anxiety and self-pity grew in me, as I felt I was leaving everything good behind in Toronto.

I could not have been more wrong.

Over the first few weeks back in Vancouver, I spent many hours alone with my thoughts. Unfortunately, I wasn’t entirely pleased with what I was focusing on. As my mind wandered to those dark corners of regret and self-loathing where we sometimes go when we are alone, I forced myself to set up several appointments to help me focus on my wellbeing rather than my perceived misfortunes. I booked doctors’ check ups – since I had basically failed my personal health during university – and an assessment with a new psychologist. I also looked into sports that I had liked to do when I was younger to maintain my mental and physical health.

Vancouver has so many amazing activities to offer, most of which are outdoors. Full disclosure, I am exceptionally biased and think everyone should live here because it’s the best place in the entire world. I started horseback riding again, skiing every weekend, snowshoeing, and doing plenty of yoga. Never in my life have I enjoyed physical activity as much as I do now. Even more surprising, I am enjoying my own company in the process. I have made new friends through work, and I am saving money while living at home. By changing my perspective, I have finally managed to be happy with who and where I am in my life.

If someone had told me three months ago that I would be living far away from all my friends in Toronto, and actually enjoying physical activity, I would have laughed in their face. This is because three months ago, I was not in a great place in my life. It’s quite fascinating how things can change so quickly, and how welcome that change can be.

I am not entirely sure what I’m trying to tell all of you in terms of advice from a graduate because I’m still trying to figure everything out myself. Many of you are staring at the looming uncertainty of graduation, and I can’t guarantee it will become any less scary or difficult. What is certain, however, is that we all have the ability to change our perspective on things in life, even when we don’t have control over much else. Those dark, scary places we fear may sometimes be an opportunity to discover who you really are, and what you want out of life. I’m very thankful that I was finally able to see it in that way.

Oh, and you should definitely consider moving to Vancouver. There is no place more beautiful, and as I’m writing this article on January 21, it is 13 degrees and sunny outside. I just thought you should know.