Coping with Change: How I’ve Learned to Embrace Life’s Challenges
Introduction
Hey friends! Yesterday’s therapy session was a powerful reminder of the journey I’ve been on. Both my therapist and I ended the call early because I had nothing else to work through. It wasn’t that life had become more manageable, but that I’ve learned how to navigate its challenges. Back in university, I used to think progress meant eliminating struggles, but the truth is, life still throws obstacles my way. I’ve simply developed coping strategies to help manage them. With greater self-awareness, I no longer feel the need to create new worries. I now recognize what triggers my anxiety and, more importantly, how to manage it. Today, I want to share some of the strategies that have empowered me, hoping they might do the same for you. Struggles still exist, but my mindset has evolved. From high school to multiple moves, program changes, and career shifts, I’ve learned the importance of embracing uncertainty rather than fearing it. I didn’t start my self-care journey until I moved away for university, where I learned how to navigate life on my own. That experience eventually led me to where I am today; working at Disney while continuing my studies. Six months in Florida feels surreal, and as I apply for courses back in Toronto, I feel at peace knowing that, no matter what happens next, I’ll find my way. I hope my journey can encourage you to embrace the uncertainties in your life, as they often lead to the most rewarding experiences.
High School: The Pressure to Have It All Figured Out
Looking back at my high school years, I realize that my coping strategies weren’t the healthiest; a struggle many teens can relate to. I dealt with stress by constantly being sick, missing weeks of school at a time. The pressure to stay on track and not disappoint the people I cared about was overwhelming. I believed success meant following a set path: work hard, get into my dream program, and everything else would fall into place. For a while, it seemed like that was the case. But when I finally achieved my goals, I felt lost, unsure where to go next. In university, I realized the program I’d fought hard to get into wasn’t the right fit. The school I’d worked so hard to get into, following my grandparents’ footsteps, didn’t feel like home. High school had been a blur of rushing toward milestones, but deep down, I knew there was more to discover. If I could go back in time, I’d tell my high school self to trust her gut and stop trying to figure everything out so quickly. So many doors were open, and choosing the right one was more complicated than I imagined. I’ve learned that part of the process is about letting go of old friendships, hobbies, and expectations that no longer serve you. Life isn’t a perfectly structured plan; it’s about figuring things out.
Moving to Toronto: A Plan That Didn’t Feel Right
When I moved to Toronto at 18, fresh out of high school, I was unsure of my next steps. I had achieved everything I had worked for, getting into my dream school and program, but once I arrived, I felt a void. I tried to fit into groups that didn’t resonate with me, convincing myself that if I pushed through, I could make university life match my vision. I even tried rushing a sorority, hoping some structure would help me feel like I belonged. The more I tried to fit in, the more out of place I felt. Looking back, I know I could have stuck with my program and friends, but I also know I wouldn’t have been happy. My first year was a constant internal struggle, believing that struggling was part of the process. I accepted every negative feeling without questioning it, and this wasn’t a healthy coping strategy. I spent most of my time locked in my residence, skipping lectures, and lying in bed with no hope for the future. It felt suffocating, but I couldn’t explain it. Eventually, I realized that no one was coming to fix things for me. I could stay stuck, or I could make a change. I started exploring the city: visiting cafés, walking through galleries, and doing little things that brought me joy. But I still kept to myself, unable to fully open up about how I felt. It wasn’t until I got an interview for a Disney job that I felt a spark of hope. That moment reignited something in me. I started dressing up again and allowed myself to feel excited about the possibility of something new. Getting the job offer gave me clarity; it was time to step back from my studies and focus on myself. Though I finished my first year online, taking time off was crucial for my reset. Therapy and self-care played a significant role in my rebuilding process, helping me to understand my feelings and make the necessary changes. Returning and admitting my program wasn’t the right fit was one of the hardest things I’ve had to do, but it was necessary and turned out to be the best decision. This setback was a turning point, leading to significant growth and a clearer path forward.
Moving Back Home: Feeling Like a Setback, but Finding Clarity
When I moved back home, it felt like a step backward. I had thought I’d made progress by living away, but returning home felt like undoing all my hard work. Yet, I knew it wasn’t permanent; I had Disney to look forward to, which gave me something to hold onto. Stepping away from an unfulfilling environment allowed me to reassess what I truly wanted. My time at home was filled with therapy, helping out at my mom’s school, and bonding with friends. It was exactly what I needed to reset. Moving home taught me that taking a step back isn’t always a setback; it can be a necessary part of moving forward. Being in a familiar place with the people who know you best helped me find the answers I sought. The unexpected opportunity to join Disney was life-changing. It reminded me that home wasn’t about going backward but gaining strength to move forward in the right direction. Leaving Toronto was bittersweet, but the break allowed me to re-evaluate my path. After my first Disney program, I knew moving home was the right choice to reset before the next chapter. That time away gave me clarity, and by fall 2023, I returned to Toronto with newfound confidence and purpose. This journey has shown me the importance of finding supportive communities, and I hope you can find yours too.
First Disney Program: Finding Passion and Perspective
When I moved to Disney in the summer of 2023, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Initially, I was hesitant, but my dog Dug made the transition easier. He was the best icebreaker when I moved to Florida, and I don’t think I would’ve made it through those three months without him. Dug helped me socialize, meet new people, and create meaningful connections. Animals have become an unexpected yet effective coping mechanism for my mental health. My current companion, Moose, continues to help me stay grounded and present. Once I settled into Florida, I realized there were people like me out there, and I didn’t have to pretend to be someone I wasn’t. I’ll never forget a girls’ night after a long park day when one of my friends told me, “It’s because you’ve never had people who make you feel safe enough to be yourself.” That moment stuck with me; no matter the heartache or lost friendships, finding people who see the real me made everything worthwhile. The summer at Disney was carefree, like a test run of living independently, but within the comfort of my Disney bubble. I embraced the unknown, opened up to new experiences, and became more confident. Working at Disney gave me the clarity to pursue a new professional and personal direction. It inspired me to start writing my blog, creating a space to express my creativity without judgment. My time at Disney opened my eyes to the power of being surrounded by like-minded people, making me rethink my career path and personal goals.
Moving Back to Toronto & Switching Programs: A Fresh Start
In fall 2023, I moved back to Toronto, starting fresh in a new school and program, switching from life sciences to creative industries. I settled into my studio apartment with Moose and worked part-time at a retail store. It didn’t feel like I moved to Toronto just for school; it felt like a move for the city itself, with classes woven into my routine. This shift in perspective allowed me to enjoy my studies and genuinely feel like I was in a good place. Living alone helped me embrace my independence. I could focus on myself without compromising my space or comfort for roommates. That self-focus led me to realize what I truly wanted and, equally important, what I didn’t need. As I built my life in Toronto, I found new friends and, unexpectedly, love. Though that relationship didn’t work out, it taught me the depth of love I’m capable of and how far I’ve come. By focusing on myself, I opened up to love when the time was right. Since ending that relationship, many new opportunities have come my way. Returning to Toronto with a fresh perspective and new goals has been life-changing. The excitement of pursuing what I genuinely love, creative industries, has completely shifted my outlook. Making bold choices and embracing uncertainty has prepared me for whatever comes next.
Coping with Change: Embracing Growth Through Life's Challenges
Over the years, I’ve learned that coping with change isn’t about avoiding discomfort but embracing it and learning to navigate it with resilience and grace. Each phase of my life, from high school pressures to moving to Toronto, changing programs, and working at Disney, has brought challenges, requiring me to develop new coping strategies. One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that coping is a fluid process; it’s not about solving everything at once but adapting as I go. I’ve learned to be kinder to myself, accepting that setbacks are part of the journey, not a sign of failure. In high school, my coping mechanisms weren’t the healthiest; I relied on getting sick to avoid dealing with stress. But over the years, I’ve learned the value of self-awareness, allowing me to recognize when I need to step back and recharge. Moving to Toronto forced me to leave my comfort zone and adapt to a new environment. While it wasn’t easy, it eventually became a turning point where I learned that change could be an opportunity for personal growth. Whether I was dealing with the uncertainty of my future after university or the challenges of living independently in Florida, I found that embracing uncertainty became one of my most potent coping strategies. As I look back on these years, coping with change has been less about eliminating stress and more about learning to face it with patience and trust in my ability to adapt and grow.
Conclusion
My journey from high school to today has taught me that life is less about finding the perfect plan and more about embracing uncertainty. The coping strategies I’ve learned, self-awareness, accepting setbacks, and trusting the process, have helped me find peace amidst life’s challenges. As I continue moving forward, I’m excited to see where this new chapter takes me, knowing I have the tools to navigate whatever comes my way.
