"Wherever you go, you take yourself with you."

No matter where you find yourself in the world, you can't escape who you are. That's the crux of it. Our habits, our thoughts, our feelings—they all tag along, no matter the scenery.

This idea is rooted in the understanding that external changes can't magically fix internal issues. It’s echoed in various philosophies and self-help teachings. Think about it: have you ever heard someone say they need a fresh start? Maybe they think moving to a new city or getting a new job will resolve all their problems. But the thing is, those issues often start from within. Changing your surroundings can feel refreshing, but if you don’t address the core of who you are, you’ll likely find those same problems cropping up again.

Take the example of John. John was fed up with his life in New York. The stress, the hustle, the feeling that he was perpetually running in circles—it all got to him. So, he decided to pack up and move to a small beach town in California. At first, the change was bliss. He loved the slower pace and the friendly locals. But after a few months, he started feeling anxious again. The same dissatisfaction and stress crept back into his life. Why? Because John took his unresolved issues with him. The change of scenery didn't change the fact that he needed to work on his internal mindset.

Applying this wisdom in your own life means taking a hard look at yourself and recognizing that your internal state is crucial to your overall happiness and well-being. Sure, a vacation or a new job can bring temporary relief, but lasting change comes from within. Start by being honest with yourself. What are your recurring problems? What patterns do you see in your life, no matter where you are?

Imagine you're in a cozy coffee shop, and a friend is telling you about their latest plan to move across the country to start fresh. They’re convinced that all their troubles will vanish with a new zip code. You might gently remind them that while a new environment can be uplifting, it doesn’t erase personal challenges. Suggest they spend some time reflecting on what’s really bothering them, maybe even talk to a therapist or coach. Encourage them to work on their internal life as much as their external one.

This concept reminds me of the time I thought changing my major in college would solve all my woes. I was struggling with motivation and felt overwhelmed. I switched from biology to literature, thinking it’d be the perfect fix. But guess what? The same feelings of overwhelm followed me. It turned out, my issue was with how I managed stress and my perfectionist tendencies, not the subjects I was studying.

So, next time you’re tempted to think a change of scenery will solve everything, take a moment. Reflect. Ask yourself what you’re carrying with you and what you might need to address within. Remember, you can’t run from yourself—wherever you go, there you are.