India Journal: Facing the Fear

As the years have passed, it has become easier to find the humor, but as you can imagine, laughter was in short supply in the days leading up to my departure.  With each step closer to my adventure tensions grew.  Why would I sell my charming apartment?  How much was it costing to store my belongings?  Why would I take a leave from my job?  To my friends, family and colleagues my decision seemed increasing out of character…and, I believe called into question decisions each individual had made in their own lives.

While uncomfortable, the conversations that ensued were the deepest, most real and honest exchanges I have ever had in my life. Nothing was left unsaid, as I sought to clarify for myself and others why I was going.  I was stepping outside of my life to get quiet enough to hear myself; to take away the comfort and distraction that allowed me to avoid listening; to become a student of myself; to bring ‘me’ into my life.  To learn who I wanted to become and to start building her.

The more I talked about it, the more things started to fall into place.  I found cohorts in the most unlikely of places.  (more…)