What Do I Want? A Story of Change and Possibility
For years, Ben felt like life was happening to him. He had a steady job, a decent apartment, and a routine that rarely changed. From the outside, everything seemed fine. But deep down, Ben knew something was missing.
Every morning, as he stood in front of the bathroom mirror, a single question would echo in his mind: “What do I want?”
He didn’t have an answer, and that scared him. He wasn’t unhappy, exactly, but he wasn’t fulfilled either. Life felt like a loop, the same day repeating over and over.
A Moment of Clarity
One rainy afternoon, Ben found himself sitting in a park, watching raindrops ripple across a small pond. An older man sat down on the bench beside him, shielding himself with an umbrella. They struck up a casual conversation, and eventually, the man asked, “What’s on your mind?”
Ben hesitated, then confessed, “I feel stuck. I have everything I’m supposed to want, but it doesn’t feel like enough. I don’t even know what I really want.”
The man nodded knowingly. “You’re asking the right question. Most people go their whole lives without asking what they truly want. But here’s the thing: if you want to change what you have, you have to start by changing yourself.”
The Power of Change
The man’s words lingered with Ben long after their conversation. He realized that he had spent years hoping for change but hadn’t taken any steps to create it. He had been waiting for something external—a promotion, a relationship, a stroke of luck—to bring him happiness. But what if change had to start within him?
That night, Ben grabbed a notebook and wrote down the question: “What do I want?” He gave himself permission to dream, listing everything that came to mind:
Explore a creative hobby, like photography.
Travel to new places.
Build deeper connections with people.
Find a career that feels meaningful.
For the first time in years, Ben felt a flicker of excitement. These weren’t just vague wishes—they were things he could work toward.
Taking the First Steps
The next day, Ben decided to act. He signed up for a photography class at the local community center, something he had always wanted to try but never prioritized. It was a small step, but it felt significant. He also reached out to an old friend he hadn’t seen in years and invited them for coffee.
At first, the changes felt awkward and uncomfortable. Ben wasn’t used to stepping outside his routine. But with each new experience, he started to feel more alive. He began to see the world—and himself—in a new light.
Changing Your Mindset, Changing Your Life
As weeks turned into months, Ben noticed something remarkable: the more he focused on what he wanted and took action, the more his life began to shift. Opportunities he hadn’t seen before started appearing. He met new people who shared his interests, discovered a passion for travel photography, and even began considering a career change.
Ben realized that by changing his mindset—by asking what he wanted and being willing to pursue it—he was transforming what he had. His life wasn’t perfect, but it felt fuller, richer, and more aligned with his true self.
Your Turn: What Do You Want?
Ben’s story is a reminder that the first step to creating a life you love is asking yourself what you truly want. If you’ve been feeling stuck or unfulfilled, start by reflecting on these questions:
What do I want more of in my life?
What changes am I willing to make to get there?
What small step can I take today toward that goal?
Remember, change doesn’t happen overnight, and it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start small, like Ben did. Sign up for a class, reconnect with an old friend, or explore a new interest. Each step you take will bring you closer to the life you envision.
Change Starts Within
The truth is simple: If you change, you will change what you have. The life you want is within your reach, but it begins with the willingness to grow, to step outside your comfort zone, and to take action toward your dreams.
So, what do you want? Write it down, reflect on it, and start taking steps today. The possibilities are endless when you decide to change—not just what you have, but who you are.
