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Writer's pictureData With Serena

How Trying the "Black Swan" in Hong Kong Taught Me About Adventure



Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you had to take a leap of faith and try something completely new and unfamiliar? That's exactly what happened to me recently when I ordered the mysteriously named "Black Swan" dish at a restaurant.


From the moment I saw it on the menu, the dish caught my eye. The unusual name and the tempting image on the poster left me wondering what surprises were in store. When it arrived at my table, I was caught off guard – instead of the dessert I had expected, it was a savory dish of minced pork and taro, with delicate fried noodles looking like waves on a lake. Each bite was an adventure, a delightful combination of flavors and textures that defied my expectations.


As I enjoyed the unexpected dish, I couldn't help but think about the role of discomfort and change in our lives. Too often, we shy away from the unfamiliar, clinging to the safety and predictability of our routines. But what if we view the unfamiliar as an exciting adventure instead of obstacles to overcome?


I know this mindset well. At 14, I found myself in Kansas and unable to speak a word of English. To most, this would have been a daunting and uncomfortable situation. But to my younger self, it was an exciting adventure. However, as I've gotten older and taken on responsibilities like a mortgage and becoming a dog mom, I've noticed a shift in my perspective. Changes that once seemed exciting now feel like obstacles to overcome.


But what if we could recapture that teenager-like curiosity and courage? What if we viewed the changes and discomforts in our lives not as burdens, but as adventures waiting to happen? Perhaps you're facing a big transition in your career or personal relationship. Instead of resisting it, what if you approached it with a spirit of exploration? Embrace the discomfort as an opportunity to learn, grow, and discover new parts of yourself and the world around you.


Just as I took a chance on the Black Swan dish and was rewarded with a delightful culinary experience, so too can we find joy in the unexpected twists and turns of life. It's all about perspective – will you view change as a discomfort to be endured or an adventure to look forward to?


So, the next time you're faced with a menu full of unfamiliar dishes or a life change that leaves you feeling uncertain, take a deep breath and dive in. You never know what surprises await when you're brave enough to embrace the adventure.


Thank you for reading my 5am thoughts on this Monday. Let me know what resonates – I read all of your replies.


Ps. The 6-city pre-launch celebration for my first book, “The Inclusion Equation”, will begin next week. I look forward to seeing some of you in-person in Atlanta, Miami, Ventura Beach CA, NYC, Seattle, and Chicago! These are private and intimate gatherings for those who personally supported my book-writing process, message me if you want an invite.  



Have a fantastic week ahead,

Serena

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