Feeling very satisfied and at peace in the moment, mid way through our travels. I can’t begin to describe how this is achieving the hopes I had of making a transition that would open my mind and heart to the next phase of life. I’ve used many metaphors – re-fire, re-something, write the next story/chapter – but, none of these really captures the feelings that flow through me. It’s the opposite of mid-life crisis, the feeling that I’ve finally achieved something of note, that I’ve completed something. This transition is joyous and fulfilling.
It is still encumbered by a bit of foreboding, but the horizon looks bright despite the motif of waning days. I like to think I’ve still got three decades in me, but only time will tell.
I’m disconnecting from the news a bit. Nothing good there except when leaders band together against tyranny. But, the momentum of pushback is not there yet. Despite this, I remain hopeful – particularly for my friends in Ukraine, but also for any who are experience loss and pain. My thoughtful escape in the moment still inspires prayers for a better world that is focused more on the plight of others and not on the comfort of selfishness.
2nd half of my prodigal journey is coming with a sojourn through France with my close friend and a final stop in the North Atlantic and Iceland before heading home to Seattle/Tacoma.