Change is Hard
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In this deeply personal episode of 'Road to the City,' host Michael Gibran explores the universal difficulty of change through three pivotal life transitions: entering boarding school at age nine, relocating from Nigeria to America, and recently moving his family from Boston to Atlanta. He reflects on how change disrupts stability, triggers anxiety and depression, and challenges our sense of control, especially as adults with families. Drawing from his own struggles—feeling out of place in America, missing Nigeria, and grappling with identity—he shares how embracing discomfort and uncertainty ultimately led to growth, resilience, and new opportunities. Michael emphasizes that change is not a quick fix but a process requiring patience, small daily actions, and trust in the unseen journey. He encourages listeners to confront fear, release the need for control, and take bold steps, especially when considering major life moves.
Change is inherently uncomfortable because it disrupts predictability and control, triggering anxiety and resistance.
The hardest changes often come when we’re adults with families, but they’re also where the most growth happens.
Embracing change means letting go of the need for immediate results—like a seed, growth takes time and darkness.
Small, consistent actions matter more than grand plans when navigating uncertainty.
Moving to a new place isn’t just physical—it’s emotional, relational, and mental, requiring the unlearning of old habits and the building of new ones.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
The Weight of Change
“Change is hard, you know? That's one thing I've been experiencing over the past couple weeks, months, and I feel like I should talk about it.”
The First Real Change: Boarding School at Nine
Michael recounts his traumatic experience at age nine when he was sent to boarding school in Nigeria, far younger than usual. He describes the loss of comfort, safety, and routine, and how he cried daily wishing to return home.
Moving to America: A Life-Changing Decision
“I was stuck in my head... I want to go back. I can't do this. Like, let's go back to Nigeria.”
The Atlanta Move: A Family Leap of Faith
“In America when you move from one state to another, it feels like you're moving from one country to another.”
The Myth of Instant Results
Michael critiques the illusion of instant success promoted on social media, comparing change to a seed that must die in darkness before it can grow. He urges listeners to stop seeking immediate gratification and instead trust the process.
“You would never take that leap of faith if you're trying to answer the questions before even making that move.”
“If you're thinking of making a move and you're afraid, you just got to make that move.”
“I was stuck in my head... I want to go back. I can't do this. Like, let's go back to Nigeria.”
Host
Michael Gibran
person
America
place
Nigeria
place
Sarah
person
Atlanta
place
Boston
place
Film Industry
other
JSS1
other
Green Card
other
American Embassy
organization
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