The Journey Begins

The calendar says so, but my head is still in the old reality. Wondering if I need to set my alarm to wake up to the workaday world. It's the night before the first day of six months of wandering and wondering. I'm in the middle of my life, if those scientific projections on longevity come true. I've got more possibilities in front of me than my mind can encompass. And I don't know whether to be excited or terrified. I think I'll be both.

There are still many loose ends - mortgages and real estate closes and documents and divorce details - but I think I can drive away and let them fray. I KNOW I have a dinner invitation tomorrow in Calgary. Then I head for the hills. There ARE plans. A hike here, a drive there, a tropical adventure south of all that. And many, many hours with a woman I love. But there are many empty spaces to fill. And that feels curiously satisfying.



I've always had a restive relationship with improvisation. My brain needs to plan. My heart trusts my ability to cope with and enjoy reality one moment at a time. It's long past time the two of them came to an accommodation. Perhaps that will be the real treasure unearthed by my sabbatical.

I can't count the number of people who've said I deserve this. And I believe them. At which point, I usually say EVERYONE should get six months off every five years. I believe that, too. Perhaps this experience - and the sharing of this experience - will make that come true. But, for now, come travel with me.