opportunities are everywhere
This week, I am honoured to welcome Niko Sadlowski to the blog. This mindful and inspiring writer is the Author of The A Word and owner of Apparently.com Today, he shares with us a personal story about how change in your life can lead to surprisingly beautiful outcomes.
I had many opportunities for a fresh start in my life. Some were lost, some have guided me to where I am today. The power of new beginnings. Sometimes, as life presents itself, we don’t have a choice. We have to move on in certain situations. But, I believe that from any hardship, we as humans can rise stronger.
The Beginning
When I came to the UK, I was 23 years old. I came to London from a small town. Everything was overwhelming but after a few years, I made some friends, gained work experience, and eventually I knew London as my own home. I worked in Soho and enjoyed its nightlife.
I always saw myself as a person who viewed the glass half full, not half empty. For the simple reason as, I’m 39 years old now – I could be complaining about the past, about politics, about living in a different country but rather, I want to inspire you.
My Story
Eleven years ago I became a father for the first time. My son was born and I was so proud to be a dad. I had my own business in London, I was providing for my family, but something was missing.
Two years later our daughter was born. Soon after, our son was diagnosed with autism and severe developmental delay. We decided with my family to move to Scotland. I didn’t want to live in London anymore.
We moved to Edinburgh, not knowing anyone, not having much experience here.
But we had each other.
I was determined to support my children, especially my son. Despite this struggle, I decided to go to college. I was 32 at this point. I finished college and qualified in Early Education and Childcare, being the only male in the whole course.
I decided to chase my dreams, to work with vulnerable children and families. Soon after, I started writing my articles. I thought that I will develop a blog after some time. It turned out that my own experience and journey through autism diagnosis of my son led me to become an author. By writing to help my anxiety and fears I became published author. I was asked to be a speaker on a few autism-related conferences and turned out that I was myself diagnosed with autism.
Now my first book is available in two languages, not to mention, I found my dream job. I work for Scottish charity as a Father and Child Wellbeing Worker supporting fathers, children and families in Edinburgh.
It was mind-blowing for me. Without moving to the UK – I would not have met my partner. Without her – I would not have my kids. Without them – I would lead a miserable life and would not have decided to chase my dreams. I definitely would not be a devoted father nor writer and a blogger.
Later this year I will be publishing my 2nd book, and I am halfway through writing my third book.
Key Thoughts
I just want to tell you that every bump, every obstacle or fail in life might be hard on us, but if you will see it as an opportunity instead of a loss, there is a great chance you will do good.
Recently I was thinking about climate change. A year ago, I decided to quit eating meat due to the impact of animal farming on our planet. I thought it would be hard, meanwhile, it is totally the opposite. My sense of taste came back (No it wasn’t COVID) I can enjoy wider pallet of food and I know that I contribute into saving the planet.
Be brave, try new things but remember not to be hard on yourself. Some time ago I set myself a goal of trying something new, once a month. I went rock climbing, I went for a swim in cold seawater using Wim Hof method, tasted different foods, done yoga, acupuncture, I quit alcohol and built a campervan.
As humans living in Europe, we have endless possibilities of trying new things. Be bold, be brave. Start a book, do something new, share this post, love deeply and live widely.
New things broaden our mind, so what is your choice?
Life is too short to be boring and not to explore what’s around us and inside us.
I want you to be openminded.
Let me know below, what is something new you recently decided to do?
About the Author
Niko Sadlowski – father, partner, blogger at theapparently.com raised by deaf parents. After publishing this book in Poland, he became a regular speaker at conferences about autism exploring the subject.
Niko writes about mindfulness, autism, co-parenting and depression.
