Wave by Wave is the title of my new book, where I share with you what a major life change, from living in Stockholm to living and sailing around the world – has done to me.
In this series of articles, I will share and reflect on my biggest takeaways.
In part 4 I will share how refreshing it is to be curious and invite the NEW in your life.
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Arthur and I had twenty years together, and many routines around us in Stockholm. We made some serious attempts to change some of them. Cooking a new dish every Saturday, for example, or finding new routes for our evening walks. The big change, of course, came when we let go of everything we had and set sail out in the world. Now we can look back on six years when almost everything has been new.
The New Makes Us Feel Alive
No one wants to be resigned and bitter about their life. But when life goes on autopilot too much, we come closer to the question of what life is all about. Is this it? Where are the surprises that make us laugh?
Being with the new makes us alert and alive. Our dear brain first checks if it is dangerous. If not, we can continue and enjoy the new experience. Like a child at the circus for the first time – with their eyes wide open at the amazing and exciting arts happening in front of them.
The New Awakens Our Emotions
Emotions are a sign of life. We cannot be indifferent when we are faced with something new – a person, a skill, a place, whatever. We may pretend, but deep down, I am pretty sure that we all feel lighter when we encounter the new. We will feel something – uncertainty, curiosity, shyness, fear, happiness or excitement. Feeling wonder is wonderful. On the other hand, when we learn a new skill, we may face our impatience and want it to go faster or easier.
Because it is new, we have to search and feel, using our senses to put the experience into words.
The New Evokes New Patterns
When we arrive in a new place, perhaps also in a new culture, we need to create a new pattern in our brain – to remember the way to the store, the restaurant or back to the hotel or the yacht. We need to be aware of what is around us. Gymnastics for our brain. Nothing can be taken for granted.
The New Is a Door to Expansion – an Invitation
When we take on something new, there is a chance that we will fail or succeed, as we usually put it. Either way, it is information – not to give up, to let it go or to celebrate that we have access to new resources. The new is there to help us expand – our thinking about what is possible in this world, in this life. When we do something we are afraid of, like sailing the seas, and can say: “I did it!”, it is so empowering. If I can do it, everyone can! Suddenly the world feels bigger.
The New Is Endless
I am 63 years these days, and it amazes me how much there is in life that I have no idea about. Ordinary simple things, like burrata for example, an Italian fresh cheese, I saw and ate for the first time in my life last week. Burrata has been around since 1920, so I should have known about it, since I am a cheese lover. But I didn’t.
In addition to everything that already exists, people are creating innovations all the time, every day in every corner of the world. And then we have meetings with fellow travellers and new places. Nature and existence that are constantly changing. All different worlds – on land, on the moon, underwater, in a city or in the countryside. And then we have our own inner world and creativity. There is no end to what more we can explore in life. Who doesn’t want to get in touch with this immense source?
Every Day Is New
The best part is that every day comes as a new opportunity. To start over. To make new choices. To try something different. To forgive. To give up, change or start something we thought about. To try out a new and unknown path. To surprise yourself. Saying yes.
I wish you a nice weekend!
Happy regards from Anna
June 6, 2025
P.S. If you would like to read a NEW book, you find the links to Wave by Wave below.
Wave by Wave at Adlibris
Wave by Wave at Amazon
Part 1 – Commitment Is Crucial
Part 2 – A Life We Love
Part 3 – Letting Go and Lighten Up
