26 Comments
User's avatar
Prabhsimrat Gill's avatar

This was a beautiful read, Matt. I remember being a 13 year old kid in the lockdown, watching Yes Theory videos on loop, and falling in love with the adventures you, Thomas, and Ammar went on.

And now, at 18, I get to witness this new journey of yours in real time—and I get to relate to it. (There are many days I feel the same—overwhelmed and wondering if I'm doing anything right.)

But, having empathy is important. And I wanted to remind you that I've seen this part of you a decade ago when you sought discomfort and did new things in each video.

And if you could do it then, I know you can do it now :)

Expand full comment
Matt Dahlia's avatar

Thanks for the kind words Prabhsimrat. Means more than you know <3

Expand full comment
Prabhsimrat Gill's avatar

You’re welcome, Matt <3

Expand full comment
Andrew Schwartz's avatar

I found that learning/practicing Catalan and Spanish is just like going to the gym. The days where you feel blocked and unmotivated end up being the most important ones, so it’s OK to go slow sometimes. Celebrate the small victories like uña or hoja

Expand full comment
Matt Dahlia's avatar

True that. Thanks dude. I'm impressed that you've picked them up so well!

Expand full comment
Andrew Schwartz's avatar

Thanks! Just give it a little bit of time and you'll get there! The desire to learn is half of the battle. Living outside of the city should also help

Expand full comment
Marie's avatar

Such a thoughtful and inspiring piece Matt. Thank your for your vulnerability and honesty xx

Expand full comment
Matt Dahlia's avatar

Thanks Marie <3 This one definitely felt more vulnerable than usual so I really appreciate it

Expand full comment
Hannah Larson's avatar

Thanks for sharing Matt! I am definitely in a similar phase and reading your experience brought me a lot of comfort. Cheering for you! And for all of us in the same boat 💖

Expand full comment
Matt Dahlia's avatar

Thanks Hannah :) Sending love <3

Expand full comment
Marc Ransom's avatar

Thank you for sharing my photo! What a pleasant surprise to see it; I forgot I submitted it 😂 all the best to all and it was fun/rewarding to push myself

Expand full comment
Matt Dahlia's avatar

Of course dude :)

Expand full comment
Alyssa Mortell's avatar

Tar sand? I’ve never heard that term before, I like it. Isn’t it amazing how the older you get, the slower the days seem to move, yet the faster the years fly by? I started noticing this in my early 30s too. My days would drag on, and by the end of them, I wasn’t even sure if I’d been productive or not. But somehow, the months flew by, and before I knew it, a year had passed.

I love this philosophy I learned when I first started my journey into the world of Chinese reading and writing. My teacher told me to enjoy the time of being really bad at something, because you only get to be a beginner once! So remember to stop and appreciate that time of progression, to celebrate the small victories along the way, and to get really comfortable in that space.

I think of it like being water, nothing is softer than water. I may be facing great mountains, but drop by drop, water can carve the Grand Canyon. Step by step, I too can do great things if I just keep doing the small things, even when it’s frustrating.

It’s not easy to start anything new, especially a whole life. I appreciate you always being so authentic and honest. I can’t imagine what your mother went through with no support system in place and children to raise. She must be an incredible woman.

Thanks for sharing, Matt. Lots of love 💕

Expand full comment
Matt Dahlia's avatar

Thank you per usual for the beautiful, thoughtful message, Alyssa. I absolutely adore that Chinese philosophy of enjoying being bad at something. Taking that with me today :)

Expand full comment
Not Your Average GLOW Up's avatar

You’re doing great, kiddo. 😉 I too feel like a baby dear walking through life on wobbly legs right now. Everything is new. This sat I’m working my first public event reading tarot in person. I’m terrified. I’ve been reading professionally for 6 years but all of my readings have been via zoom call. I’ve always had the buffer of a screen inbetween me and those I’ve been reading for (with the exception of friends and family). I recently just moved in with my boyfriend after being a single mom for a year and a half. Learning how to navigate living with a man whom has entirely different habbits and a lifestyle than I’m use to. Trying to branch out in work. It’s all new and all slow. But it’s moving

Expand full comment
Matt Dahlia's avatar

Thank you love, proud of you too. That's a lot of change. Excited to see what develops for both of us!

Expand full comment
Not Your Average GLOW Up's avatar

Agreed! I’m super proud of you Matt. You’ve really been taking life by the balls lately. It’s hard and it gets lonely. But if you put things in perspective. You from just 2 or 3 years ago would be dumbfounded and perplexed and so excited about where now you is in life! That’s a damn beautiful thing. You’re kicking ass. Don’t forget it

Expand full comment
Mike Sokol's avatar

There isn’t a roadmap for your life after your mid to late 20’s…it’s a blank book and that can be scary…i have defs felt that that past couple yrs. Slow and steady wins the race. Persevere

Expand full comment
Matt Dahlia's avatar

Yep, going slow is the way. But man is it hard to remember haha

Expand full comment
gor's avatar

amazing piece, we can work on the structure and the headings to make it a solid 7-8/10. just know this one thing : dont aim for perfection, overtime you will get better with this

Expand full comment
Rivosw's avatar

Yo, Matt!! Pretty cool meeting you last week during the global shapers meetup.

And I couldn’t agree more with this post. I moved a month ago, I speak the language, and still—it feels like starting from scratch: new life, new city, new people. But it’s also quite exciting to think about all the possibilities that come with a fresh start.

From another newbie in the city who’s looking to meet people planning to stay in Barcelona—hit me up if you wanna hang out! @rivosw

Expand full comment
Annabelle's avatar

That was beautiful, thank you for sharing. Love the analogy to your mom's journey and the reminder that yes, things will not progress as quickly as we want them to, as quickly as we may see others do it (or claim to do it anyway) but they are progressing nonetheless. And if we really think about it, what's the rush, anyway? Why do we need everything to happen quickly when we get the rest of out lives with them.

Expand full comment
Breanna-Rae Tainatongo's avatar

This was a beautiful read and really stood out to me as someone who's been in a constant transition of moving from place to place within the last 3 years. Fair to say, I'm exhausted... I find myself feeling like I'm never getting anywhere, having to constantly move and start all over again.

I'm planning to move in about a month or so, so this post couldn't have come at a better time. Thank you for sharing your experience, it makes me feel less alone in how I feel.

This next move is hopefully the place where I'll get to settle in with my doggo.

I've loved watching Yes Theory for years, and it's awesome to get to connect with you here.

Wishing you the best,

Bre

Expand full comment
Anna-Lena Wilhelm's avatar

Thank you for sharing your thoughts Matt. I was in the same situation and maybe still am. It’s an overwhelming feeling but feels little less heavy to hear other people are in the same situation. Be patience to yourself, like you are with others. You will definitely get there and reach your goals! You’re awesome!

Expand full comment
Paula's avatar

I’m 31, and trying to change a career, outside of what i studied.. and it’s hard, and demotivating often.. and just letting you know that you’re a calming energy that i appreciate very much, and i’m rooting for your goals! 🦖

Expand full comment
Karol Górski's avatar

I've lived in Lisbon for half a year. Would love to experience the daily life in Barcelona too, like you do right now

Expand full comment