When Bob Dylan wrote that song 61 years ago, it was about far nobler causes than a 32-year old woman going through a third-life crisis (what can I say, I’m ambitious!) And yet, this weekend, it’s the song that’s felt most apt. That line most especially. Right now, I can feel myself in a transitional period. Things are shifting, reshaping and, well, A-Changin. There’s been growing pains, waves of panic and uncertainty that have threatened to sweep me under. In all honesty, I’ve spent the bulk of the year so far trying to keep my head from going under.

This week I took to the ground, retreating into my bed fort as I regrouped. Growth needs rest after all, it’s an exhausting beast. Now, I feel on the precipice of something – a positive one, not a Nietzscheistic one.

As previously discussed ad nauseuam here, Sunday evenings are vile voids that must be endured.

Yet, maybe idealistically, this one feels different to the last.

After spending too long compelling the great scriptwriters in the sky to give me some plot, I’ve got an abundance of it coming this week. 2 first dates (thanks Breeze), a Speed Hating event, a Lock and Key event and a preliminary job interview. Never let it be said that Charlotte Louise Harrison ever sits still and lets the waters drown her. Ironic really considering I don’t actually know how to swim, but let’s let that analogy lie for storytelling purposes.. Somehow I’ve found my schedule full, potentially at the best time. When all hope seems lost, why not survey the hypermarket of choices and possibilities.

I’ve felt for the last few weeks that my life is changing, and I feel within myself that this coming week will be the crescendo of that feeling. Now, that’s not to say that’s because I foresee meeting the love of my life this week. Because, I strongly suspect he’s not going to be knocking around Lock & Key events in central London on a Saturday night. If I do meet him there then, A) You’ll be the first to know and B) It will undoubtedly be the first thing I say in our wedding speech, and the entire wedding will be themed around locks and keys. He’ll forever be saved in my phone as Mr Key.

What I mean to say is, and this is potentially a very optimistic reading of upcoming events, I can see myself being tested this week, putting into action all the growth and work I’ve been undertaking. After spending some time in my cocoon, doing whatever sheltering caterpillars do, this week I really want to Butterfly.

As the last few months have shown, both personally and professionally, it’s impossible to predict or anticipate what’s around the corner. For the majority of my life, I’ve channelled so much energy – too much energy – into foreseeing all possible events and being prepared for all manner of eventualities. At times, I’ve been so focused on protecting myself from the uncertainty that’s coming that I’ve missed out on truly appreciating what’s happening here and now.

Tonight, as I reflect on all that has happened and all that awaits, the waves are still there. But maybe I should alter my approach. Whilst the shore and stability, no matter how temporaneous, feels out of reach; maybe it’s time to hop on an inflatable and ride out the wave in style.