Two years on...

Two years, nine random countries, and several lifetimes later I sit in wonder of my world, my universe, my silly, small journey. I have fallen in love with people, places, creatures, and cultures. I’ve been awed and amazed, saddened and scared. I’ve seen death a time or two (my own and others’) and life taken to the edge. I’ve felt time stand still and then pass by in a breath. I’ve held on to what I could and let go of things I never thought I would. I’ve found some answers but mostly more questions. I’ve had my heart touched by moments of pure connection and had it broken by that same thread as goodbyes have been ever present. I’ve had moments of thinking that there was no way in the world that I could do it but I did it anyway. I’ve had moments where I chose to walk away. I’ve had days where I wanted to fight, even when I didn’t know why, but I’ve had more days where I simply wanted to learn and understand. I’ve met people who are changing the world and others who have changed mine. I’ve laughed until I cried and cried because I needed to. I’ve been witness to unbelievable suffering and truly humbling strength; I now doubt my own capacity for both. I’ve been welcomed and shunned, included and turned away but have chosen to take it all as part of the experience. I’ve learned to be okay with having an opinion and I’ve learned to believe that yes, there really is a right and wrong. I’ve learned, I’ve learned, I’ve learned. Two years, nine countries and several lifetimes later, I continue to learn. Thank you, my brilliant universe, for all that I have been given, thank you for continuing to give me these opportunities to learn.