The Inherent Difficulty and Essential Necessity of Life Changes

Navigating life’s ups, downs, and unexpected turns.

Life can be a bumpy ride, full of unexpected twists and turns. There are moments when it feels like we're barely holding on. But the question is, how do we cope when things get a bit rough? Do we hold on tight and embrace the thrill, or do we shut our eyes and hope for it all to end?

If you're anything like me, change can often feel exciting. But it feels different now.

Let me take you back a bit. Imagine me as a lawyer, deeply involved in legal briefs and court hearings for over two decades. Then, out of the blue, I found myself standing at a crossroads, ready to take a leap of faith into the unknown and start a communication business in the fiber industry.

© Nara Takeda

It was a whirlwind of excitement and nerves. I spent a year jet-setting worldwide, making new connections, and immersing myself in yarn events. And let me tell you, I was lucky enough to make some incredible friends, meet fellow makers, create business collaborators, and cultivate clients who have been crucial in helping me grow my business.

But when I thought I'd found my groove, life threw me another curveball. Due to personal health, family issues, and financial changes, I saw myself packing up and moving back to Brazil at the end of last year.

It was a tough decision and meant dealing with more difficulties in living the nomadic lifestyle I'd come to love. I miss the buzz of living in different countries, rushing from one event to another in a few hours, and adapting to a new schedule for every travel I made.

I'm still doing it but in a very different way, especially at a different pace. I'm still trying to find my way through this new chapter. Planning has become my middle name now. Because having to fly at least nine hours to get anywhere in Europe and North America (where most of the yarn events are held) takes work.

Writing this article, I'm reminding myself to enjoy the ride, no matter how bumpy it gets. It's a daily reminder that life is full of surprises, and we must roll with the punches. Whether we're choosing to make a change or life is choosing for us, the journey requires a lot of courage, patience, and determination.

As I navigate this transition period, I've realized how significant change is. We learn, grow, and evolve through these twists and turns. Changes give us new perspectives, experiences, and opportunities that can truly enrich our lives. It allows us to discover more about ourselves, our strengths and weaknesses, and build resilience and adaptability. In my case, I'm trying to feel the love of living close to my family, friends, and fellow makers. I'm thrilled to maintain an intense exercise routine, especially as I'm addicted to weightlifting (spoiler: I plan to write about this passion soon).

Change, as scary as it can be at times, is not just a necessity; it's an incredible opportunity to be more creative and find ways to feel happier soon.

Looking from this perspective, for instance, I'm excited about the prospect of traveling more all over Brazil and South America, and these opportunities fill me with ideas, creativity, and happiness.

Every morning, I need to choose to be courageous and step outside my comfort zone, embracing the journey and searching for the silver lining; and at the end of each day, I extend grace to all who embrace change to survive and thrive in this ever-changing world.

And finally, I'm continually reminded of the work in progress in my project bag: my enduring passion for knitting, crocheting, and communication. It's something I can always count on.

—written by Nara Takeda

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