Magdalena Anna argues for openness to new experiences in essay

Magdalena Anna challenges the habit of pre-judging new experiences

In a recent personal essay shared via LinkedIn, Magdalena Anna argues that individuals often miss out on meaningful opportunities by deciding they are not interested in certain environments or activities before they even attempt them. Writing about a recent trip to New York City, Anna describes how her preconceived notion of being a “non-city girl” was challenged by the actual experience of visiting the urban landscape.

The author, who identifies as someone who prefers the ocean, mountains, or forests to “concrete jungles,” noted that despite her skepticism, the trip provided unexpected value. She observed that her time in the city resulted in significant physical activity—clocking 27,000 steps in a single day—and offered a “completely different perspective on how people live.”

Anna’s reflection centers on the psychological tendency to categorize experiences as “not for us” prematurely. She suggests that by leaving more room for life to surprise her, she is able to engage with things she is typically skeptical about or places she wouldn’t normally choose. This approach, she writes, is not necessarily about seeking profound life lessons from every moment, but about the simple value of having an incredible day or seeing the world through a different lens.

The tension between comfort and exploration

The core of Anna’s argument rests on the idea of intentional openness. She advocates for a willingness to say “yes” to experiences even when one is not particularly in the mood. This philosophy extends to a call for cross-environment exploration: she suggests that those who identify as nature lovers should explore cities, and those who favor urban life should spend time in the forest.

While the essay is a personal account, it touches on a broader human tendency to seek comfort in the familiar. For many, the decision to avoid certain environments is a way to manage expectations or maintain a specific lifestyle identity. Anna, however, posits that the benefits of breaking these self-imposed boundaries—such as enjoying “the best gelato” or gaining a new perspective—outweigh the perceived risks of discomfort.

She encourages readers to keep their bodies moving and to allow for the possibility of being pleasantly surprised by the very things they thought they would dislike.