The first day of my adventure is finally here! I have been getting ready bit by bit for such a long time - finding a sublease tenant for my apartment, working through health insurance, earning flyer reward miles, budgeting…technically, I’ve been getting ready for this school since I was first accepted into its 9 month certificate program over 2 years ago. I sit here this morning because I can’t sleep past 5:30. My room is empty and clean. Mostly all my things are in my car to be split up into 4 different locations. It’s like that silent stillness when the air is buzzing right before a downpour. I have no idea how the next 4 weeks will shape me - where I live, what my career shapes into…but I do know that despite all the difficult things that have happened in my life and in my community, or perhaps because of all those things - a fearless, passionate, intentional spirit is called for. So here I am, trying to channel that spirit and honor the words JBB told me about being relentless in following my passions. Sometimes I struggle with discerning when I am pursuing an earthly thing that is more about desire than it is about meaning. I’ve struggled with that intensely this past year. I guess witnessing early death adds a certain dimension to viewing this life. However, I really do think that this intensive training could be harnessed for many many things. Its culture of creativity and movement in community is something that resonates with me and gives me that brainstorm burst of excitement. Since this is in me, I want to cultivate it. (Photos of the reservoir) But I thought it would be an appropriate time to remind myself and other possible readers out there that adventure and joy and passion does not necessarily have to look like leaving town or moving away or a complete 180. Adventure and the beating heart of life can be found in simple things like exploring that park you always pass (I found a beautiful reservoir with a building that looks like it’s straight out of my favorite movie, Pride and Prejudice.) It could be trying that new and slightly intimidating thing that sparks your curiosity and then discovering it is a huge jump to your skills and environment (shout out to my capoeira people). It could be the joy of inviting and seeking out friends and and family to be by your side, through thick and thin (like babysitting my nieces and house sitting and having house warming jam nights). (Photo of my family by choice) And that is the thought I want to end on. I could not have done this without the help, the grace, the encouragement, and the presence of my community. One of my last days in town was a beautiful get together in be park. With a totally pre-planned and booked visit by a drum circle and cosplay sword fighters. Well, those visits happened to be a surprise. But you never know what could happen unless you are brave enough to walk it. (Photo before leaving my “last” day at work) Peace out, work. Peace, chosen hometown. Peace, community. And thank you for being good to me
