Choosing Your Own Adventure: Lessons from 'The Midnight Library'

Disclaimer: If you're up for reading books that might change your life, please read it before continuing. I will try not to spoil it, but I want to reflect on how this book has personally changed me.

As mentioned in my previous blog post, I returned from the US with a new opportunity to build an innovation team and bring digitalization to manufacturing. I love embracing new opportunities and learning new things. My to-do list was extensive, from hiring my first team to organizing and designing the office space, as well as getting to know the stakeholders and customers in the region on a deeper level. On a personal level, I had a new apartment in a new area to explore, and I even set a new goal of running a marathon. However, something held me back, and I couldn't quite pinpoint what it was.

For years, I had been listening to Matt Haig's books as audiobooks while traveling or before bedtime to calm my mind and immerse myself in the story. When I learned about his new book, "The Midnight Library," I ordered it without realizing how much it would change my perspective on life.

The story follows Nora, the main character, who finds herself in the midnight library. She is given the opportunity to undo her regrets and experience different "books"/ lives. From being a polar explorer to owning a bar or having a family, everything is possible.

Just imagine the concept of being able to go back and choose a different book, a potential life. What would you choose?

For me, this book presented a completely different way of seeing life and realizing the influence we have over how our lives unfold. Until then, I had let others decide for me most of the time because I lacked self-belief and didn't want to hurt anyone or make the wrong decision. However, I've come to understand that not making a decision is, in fact, a decision.

Reflecting on my life, I've realized that I have chosen different "books" from the library. I opted to finish my high school diploma at a different school, became the first person in my family to go to university, and mustered up all my courage to ask for a job abroad in the US. But still, something didn't feel right. Like Nora, I had many dreams like traveling around the world and having a dog...

The crazy thing is, after finishing the book and having coaching sessions with Ruth, my life suddenly changed. The book that had been open, representing my life at that time, abruptly closed. Looking back, I was surprised by this change, and it hurt in a way I hadn't experienced before.

Now, a few years later, I've come to realize that the book I had been living wasn't the one that made me truly happy. True happiness comes from looking within, understanding what we want in life, how we want to feel, what we want to explore, create, and give back. It's not just about picking the right book or deciding to be happy; it's about the journey and exploration that lead us to happiness.

My key learnings from the book are as follows:

1. Chase your dreams, small steps lead to great things.

2. The grass is always greener on the other side, focus on what you truly want.

3. Not making a decision is, in itself, a decision.

4. You have the power to decide how you respond to what happens to you.

5. The possibilities are limitless, free yourself of others' expectations of who you should be.

What are your biggest dreams that you haven't pursued yet? What is one small step you can take in that direction?

Looking back, my life has done a complete 180-degree turn, and I am genuinely happy. If you would like to reflect on the potential books in your library and would like my assistance in identifying them, please feel free to book a free introductory call.

Find your wave!

Yours,

Sarah 🌊