The Best Decision You’ll Ever Make: Leaving the Known

Do you think about leaving? I do. In fact, almost every day of my life, I’ve had thoughts that lead to me wanting to leave the place I’m in—and I have. Often, we don’t recognize how good we have it, yet we still crave a change of environment. And that’s okay. It’s completely normal to feel this way. After all, you’ve gotten used to your country, your city, and your home. Over time, this familiarity can make it hard to appreciate the things you once loved.

That said, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with wanting to leave. More often than not, there’s a deeper meaning behind your cravings, and it’s always worth following what YOU want. So, take a moment to reflect on why you feel this way, and truly listen to what your heart desires.

I live in one of those places, where tourists flock for the pure beauty. Natural wonders and safety are some of the greatest things about Iceland. Yet I have this desire to be somewhere else, I’ve realized I have every right to. Nothing says you’re obligated to stay in the place you were born, it’s completely understandable that since you have your roots there like family, you have this guilt of wanting to leave. In some cases family and friends can even be disappointed that you’d leave them. This isn’t about them, though. It’s about YOU and your unique path.

In my case, the long winters of darkness are hard. The sun stays up a limited amount of time during the coldest months, so the energy levels drop drastically along with the temperature. No matter where you are- there will always be cons no matter how big or small. Remember, what’s a con to one person isn’t necessarily a con to the next and depending on what it is- could even be a pro to some!

Change isn’t something to fear—it’s something to embrace. Our environments shape our moods, our creativity, and our overall well-being. If you feel drawn to a new place, whether for the climate, the culture, or simply a fresh start, that feeling is valid. You are not betraying your roots by wanting something different. You are growing.

It’s easy to romanticize other places, and while no destination is perfect, there’s beauty in stepping out of your comfort zone. Life is meant to be explored, don’t stick to the familiar out of obligation or guilt.

A major hurdle in making big life changes is the fear of judgment. You might wonder, “What if I hurt someone by leaving” But the truth is, people who truly care about you want to see you happy. Your journey is not theirs to dictate.

We sometimes hold ourselves back from pursuing our dreams because we fear the unknown. But consider this: What if the unknown holds exactly what you need? What if your happiness is waiting for you in a different place, with new experiences, new opportunities, and a newfound sense of purpose?

When you finally allow yourself to follow your heart, something incredible happens—you begin to thrive. Whether it’s waking up to sunshine every morning, immersing yourself in a culture that excites you, or simply feeling a sense of peace that was missing before, these are things worth chasing.

This isn’t to say that you must permanently leave your home country. Travel can be a way to discover what you truly love. Maybe you’ll leave and come back with a deeper appreciation for what you had. Or maybe you’ll find that another place truly feels like home. Either way, you’ll gain clarity and a deeper understanding of yourself.

The worst thing you can do is ignore the voice inside you urging you to explore. Life is too short to wonder “what if?” If you have the means and the desire, take the leap. Try that new city, move to a warm destination, embrace the adventure. It might be the best decision you ever make.

So if you’ve ever felt torn between what you know and what you dream of, take this as your sign: You deserve to chase what makes you feel alive. Your happiness, your peace, and your fulfillment matter. And when you finally find the place where your heart feels at home, you’ll know it was all worth it.

Start living your life for you. The world is too big, too beautiful, and too full of opportunity to stay where you don’t feel truly alive. Listen to your heart, trust your instincts, and go where you feel most like yourself.