Forever Paisley

If have learned anything in my first 26 years it’s that change is inevitable. We live, we experience, we hurt, we love, we celebrate, we grow. Each moment bringing about a revolution of its own. Change comes in all forms. Subtle. Obvious. Slow. Sudden. Welcomed. Resisted. Once upon time, I thrived on change. It moved me; emotionally, physically and mentally. Fearlessly, I sought out change on a regular basis, embracing each challenge no matter how large or small. As time went on my youthful spirit began to lose its voice, I grew up, I got a real job, I bought a house, I began settling. Suddenly, I began to notice that instead of seeking change I was allowing it to find me. I was no longer manifesting my own destiny, but letting the world around me determine my path. After a while, I was just rolling with the punches. I failed to change the components in my life that were causing stress and disappointment. Rather, I made decisions that were practical. Practical and secure. Secure, yet unfulfilling. I did what I thought I had to do to stay afloat and survive, without recognizing how that lifestyle was impacting my livelihood. Luckily, I recently approached a fork in the road. It became clear that I had options. An opportunity to reroute. Rather than choosing the easy path, I once again decided that it was time to control the change in my life. Time to break out of the comfort zone. Time to try something new.

Four and a half years under the roof of the same company. Four and a half years trying to make sense of it all. Four and a half years … the longest relationship in my life to date, but the easiest break-up thus far. On Friday afternoon, I grabbed my last free soda from the fridge, walked to my desk and wrote a few closing e-mails. I met with HR, returned my badge to the company and with one last CTRL+ALT+DELETE, it was over. As I rode down the elevator, my bag felt much lighter and I had nothing left to do but walk away. The door swung behind me, my feet hit the pavement and I didn’t look back.

A fresh start. I wish that was entirely true; however there are still certain obligations that I need to see through before I can cash in my chips. I may not be off to Guatemala just yet, but it’s a step in the right direction. A new job awaits. A new opportunity to learn and grow is just ahead. The change is inevitable.

And with that, I am off. Off to New Zealand and Australia for a much-needed break. Off to explore new territory with old friends. Off to clear my head before the next revolution. Off to celebrate the accomplishments of the past and the changes that lie ahead.