This last month has been extremely reflective for me. These last few days, even more so. As I go about marking things off of my to-do list, driving around town, and experiencing the town where I grew up, I feel a mixture of emotions. I feel excitement for the next adventure; I feel nervousness at all of the unknowns; and I feel sadness for the quick passage of time and soon to be great geographic distance between me and many of my loved ones. Though, in reality, the life of a graduate student is geographically dispersed. These last 4 months were the first time I was home for any extended period of time since moving out and heading to college when I was 18!
So, what's the big deal? I think it's the uncertainty. Or the unconventional way of finishing my PhD and then heading off to a developing country to try and build a community center, teach, and make ends meet...... (more on this in later posts...). But, with my dissertation and my divorce behind me, I am ready for the next challenge and adventure.
As I sit in my room tonight, for the last night in a while, with all of my possessions either boxed up or packed in my luggage, I can't help but sing "I'm leaving on a jet plane" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fa3h3pnhg8s). I know the lyrics aren't entirely relevant, but it sticks, and the tears flow in sadness and in joy. Life is so amazingly wonderful, especially when we live in the moment.
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