fulfillment.
I think. I
reflect. I write.
For many
years my thoughts danced in my head, grand scenes playing out in timeless
fashion. Sleep would be foregone due to my mind’s late night adventures. I kept
these dreams, regrets, and secrets inside – until decades later I met a new acquaintance, who
quickly became a loving friend, and who told me that I had a story to tell and
to write everything down.
Then the words
poured out – and for the first time in a long time I felt rested. The release
came in many forms; a private bound journal that has accompanied me to
hundreds of cities, a public blog to share with anyone curious to read,
shorthand notes in my phone, and honest conversations with those my soul
trusts. Writing is my solace, my expression.
So when it
dawned on me that for quite some time I have not been inspired to pick up a pen
or open my lap top, I knew something needed to change.
-----------------------------------------------------
As last
summer came to a close, I was confident that it was time to return home. After
a few years away with thousands of miles traveled, I yearned for the comforts
that only family and old friends could give. I was looking forward to coming
home, creating a routine, catching up with people I grew up with, and spending
time with family.
This change
of heart aligned with a milestone birthday where I became an independent adult
in my country’s eyes. At 26 you should
have your own insurance, retirement, and 5 year plan set up. So I was fooled by the dogma of society – I
thought I needed a steady job to plant some roots.
I was wrong.
Born in
December, I am a true Sagittarius – an adventurer by nature and eternally on
the go. How did I think I could convince myself that packing away my passport
for an office job would be the next step to take in my life?
Nevertheless,
I was hired for a job that I am very grateful to have had for it allowed me to
build new friendships, gain experience, and find security. However, if I am
spending over 35% of my waking hours at my job, I better love it. Although this
opportunity may be enough for some, I wasn't fulfilled. I am not meant for an
office, I am not meant to be indoors staring at a computer screen. Perhaps if
there was potential to move up in the company to a better suited position then
I would invest a few years in an office. Unfortunately, I started waking up and
not wanting to go to work. I was consumed with indifference. The eternal winter
that buried New England froze my spirit as well.
Once again
restless, I joined the rest of the world and dove into the deep abyss of online
job searching. I have been a feeder fish in the big ocean trying to stand apart
from the rest. Applying for jobs online is a frustrating, unrewarding, and time
consuming battle that I am still fighting. I am currently mastering the balance
of being proactive and patient. The wondrous milestones that have happened in
my life occurred in the moments that I buried my ego and surrendered myself to
a greater power – in the moments I released my white-knuckle grip of control
and let life happen naturally. On the contrary, in today’s society hard work
pays off and at times you need to aggressively go after what you desire. Thus,
I am left dancing this two-step of creating a path for the future and also
living in the moment.
As the weeks
turned to months and no job opportunities in this area surfaced, I became quite
aware that it was time to reflect and reassess. On St. Patrick ’s Day, I was
sitting on the floor when a decision was made, simply and abruptly. If I am not fulfilled, change something.
There is no time in this life to be complacent. Where others may thrive in
routine, order, and security, I find joy in freedom, novelty, and change.
As Steve
Job’s said, we cannot connect the dots looking forward. So in retrospect, it
became rather clear that I was meant to come home, but not to stay home. I needed
to recharge and meet my new niece and nephew. Yet with my homecoming I noticed
that everyone is leading their own lives and carrying out their dreams; so it
does not make sense for me to sit and wait for the free weekends or family
events to insert myself into their lives. Even though I have been home since
September, I have not seen or spoken to family or friends much more than I did
during my travels. We all need to let each other live our own lives. Wherever
that may take us, whatever our joy consists of – there can be no judgement,
only support.
I cannot call
this next move a chapter, as I do not wish to give it an end before it has even
begun. I bought another one way ticket to Europe and put my two weeks’ notice
into my job. I am flying to Europe with a plan that consists of no more than
just visiting friends in a few new countries, continuing to apply for jobs, and
to finish writing my book. Faith has brought me this far in life, and it will
continue to lead me. The right opportunity will present itself when I am in the
right place, at the right time, surrounded by the right people. I refuse to
settle for a job that does not align with my personal values or fulfill my soul.
So I will continue to explore and network until divine timing plays out.
Contrary to
what many may believe, I am not running away as I have nothing to run away
from. I am running towards a full,
free life. My roots were laid long ago, they are everlasting and do not need my
physical presence to persist. They are nurtured regardless if I am near or far.
My first passport stamp started something grander than I could ever imagine – there
is more to see, more to give. I have no commitments that are my own – and perhaps
I subconsciously do this so I never have a reason to stay – so why not continue
to wander and make the most of this life while the dots connect themselves? I
do not know what my life will be like a year from now or tomorrow – but what I
do know is that I can make conscious decisions and actions that will fulfill my
soul and may provide opportunity for the future.
In the moment
when my head and my heart aligned and agreed to go abroad, I felt immense
relief. As if I no longer had to force myself to try to make the typical 9 to 5
life work.
I am not
going to plan, control, or expect. I am simply going to be.
So with that,
I am off once more.
Hi Amelia!
ReplyDeleteThis resonates with me so much. I was a tour guide in Italy last year. I came back to the states at the end of last year. I thought after a year abroad I was ready to settle down into a "real life". But as I started work in the corporate world, I began to feel more and more miserable with each day. The office life is not for me. Because of this I have decided to go back to Italy and teach English, that's actually how I found your blog, I was researching the international TEFL academy. I bought my one way plane ticket last week. Its good to know that other people feel the same way as I do. I say follow your bliss, and things will work themselves out. Keep on keepin on.
Sincerely,
Shelbie
A fellow wanderer