Saturday, January 3, 2009

Another Year Over, A New One Just Begun

Happy 2009. Dare I make a resolution to write more often? Here's hoping the New Year will provide me with the appropriate inspiration.

A friend of mine, currently "livin' the dream"--teaching English in Germany, sent me a great quote:
"Reality is the leading cause of stress amongst those in touch with it"

Ah, 2007 and 2008 were fantastic for losing touch. But it's time to reel it back in... hook, line and sinker, I've swallowed a big dose of reality. Being 'back' has definitely been stressful at times. But I'm beginning to realize that's its stressful in a different way than it used to be. After reaching some of the furthest corners of the planet, my journey has turned inward. And there's a certain calm that pervades every pitfall, curve-ball, and setback. I'm home, back in the same old place, but this feeling is new--and I hope it stays around for a while.

I'm looking forward to some trips in the coming months--Austin, TX, Jackson Hole, WY, even a potential quick trip to Europe this summer. But as I told another friend currently traveling South America, who, a year later, did the same English Teaching Volunteer program in Chile as me: travel as much as you can, as long as the feeling of adventure lasts-- when it feels like you're running, you'll know it's time to come home.

I came home. I'm am home. And it finally feels like it. This year-- another resolution, perhaps?-- I'll save the running for my tennis shoes. Heck knows they could use the attention.