8 Ways to “Try” on a New Life Without Losing Your True Identity

Are you ready to inject new emotions and experiences into your life, but you don’t know how? Is fear stopping you from trying new things and making changes in your life? Are you wondering what another way of being might look like? You can do it, even if it scares you at first.

The good news is that you don’t have to commit to a new lifestyle or identity all at once. You can try out or test new perspectives or ideas without having to make drastic changes or feel like an imposter.

Eight Ways to Try a New Life Without Losing Your True Identity

1. Have a healthy daily practice

For example, meditation helps you stay grounded and centered, as a 2015 study showed. When you’re trying new things, it’s important to be centered. Every time you engage in your practice, it’s like coming home to a safe place. A healthy daily practice is restorative and uplifting.

2. Know why you are trying something new

What is your reason for seeking new things? Is it expansive, safe and healthy?

3. Be aware of your comfort zone

She dances enthusiastically to try a new life Stock 4you via Shutterstock

How far is your project outside your comfort zone? Make sure to include something in your plan that is comfortable for you.

4. Integrate your strengths into the plan

For example, it’s easy to go on a trail, but I choose a more difficult experience to do alone.

5. Keep your perspective open to different choices and possibilities

Countless new experiences await you.

6. Think about what you are passionate about in life

How can you bring more excitement into your world with a new experience?

7. Celebrate all your victories

Every time you are willing to take risks, you win. Holding in your heart the possibilities of your best life will get you there.

8. Have a safety plan

Behind the wheel and on the road, she tries a new life but has a safety plan Dragana Gordic via Shutterstock

How can you give up on your adventure if you don’t feel safe? Who do you share your plan with? Research from 2023 shows that there is “no safety without emotional safety,” so always stay safe emotionally and physically.

Staying centered is essential

My life has changed dramatically in the last few years. Some things have been hard, some easy, some unexpected, and some anticipated. Regardless, I am in a good place and feel centered and strong.

I am ready to expand my world in the way that resonates best with me, physically and spiritually. I want deep connections and great communication. That is exactly what I got in my recent adventure.

I decided to hike up a trailhead high in a mountain range. I’m sure I’ll have cuts and scrapes from the rough terrain and the plants and trees I’m weaving through.

When I’m going on unfamiliar trails or embarking on adventures that involve some risk, I always let a few people know my plan, just in case.

It’s the middle of a monsoon season, but storms don’t usually hit until the afternoon. My weather app promised sunshine. I had food, water, and my phone, which are among the items recommended by the National Parks Service.

I reached the trail quickly and easily. To pull myself up the last 3 meters, I had to find rocks and plants anchored in the ground strong enough to support my body weight.

At the top I noticed that very dark and ominous clouds had formed higher up the mountain. I wasn’t too worried, but I recognized the sign to go home. As I left the trail I found myself in a deep scree, slipped and struggled to keep my balance. I felt a drop of rain, but I wasn’t worried.

In about five minutes, my world changed. As if out of nowhere, a violent storm had formed and was behind me. I started running as fast as I could hoping that my balance would be easier. I was looking for the path where the water flows from the mountain.

I was at the top of the mountain and starting to get scared. Lightning was everywhere and I was being bombarded with rain. I slowed down just long enough to call someone and tell them what was happening. I wanted to talk to someone to reassure myself, but I got a voicemail, although sharing my experience did reassure me a little. Still above the tree line, I took the path of least resistance down the mountain. I ran through the bushes and jumped over larger rocks.

Finding the Lesson in Fear

What do I do? I’m 58. This behavior was acceptable when I was younger, but should I cut back? I prayed for my safety. The lightning seemed closer than ever, I took a wrong step and crashed into the rocks. My Apple watch beeped, my leg was bleeding, but I was more surprised than hurt.

My phone sent me a flash flood warning for my area. I kept moving through the ravines, because like water, I wanted the easiest path down. I reached trees, followed a deer trail, then houses, and finally a man in his yard. I shouted over the wind and rain, seeking shelter from the storm.

Balance is essential to making changes and trying new things

Taking on challenges and trying new things is an important part of my life and brings me joy. Every time I say yes to adventure, I say yes to my best life. I know that the changes I create in one part of my life add a spark of joy and inspiration to all parts of my life.

Whether you are starting a new career, meeting new people, or moving abroad, I encourage you to take risks, challenge yourself, and live your best life. You have the freedom to choose what resonates with your joy. If you fall, get back up, reflect on what you have learned, and when you are ready, adventure awaits.

Polly Wirum is a spiritual coach and medium. She teaches her clients how to discover their truth through psychic readings, astrological readings, and intuitive life coaching. She offers guided meditations and, in some cases, guided past life exploration.