It is interesting how a word or a phrase can change your point of view, your perspective about a situation that consumed your thoughts and made you feel trapped in your own world. Words are powerful and they have the ability to transform how you see your life. My revelation came from a speech made by the president of my workplace about"Study Abroad". He was speaking to a group of new students that just arrived to Boston and he spoke of the rewards of being on Study Abroad. As I listened, it dawned on me that my life over the past 9 months in Boston has been similar to a study abroad experience. The initial excitement and fear of what is to come. The steps and stages of creating a space for you to live, grow, explore, and to open up to the newness around you. The joys and challenges of meeting people, making friends, and finding your sweet-spot amongst the unknown. The realizations of your unconscious expectations being questioned. Your ideas and thoughts being challenged by the culture surrounding you. The loneliness that overwhelms you when you recognize you are on your own. The anxiety and even maybe a bout of terror that takes over you as the thoughts of "What is going on? or the sight of regret comes across your peripheral vision as you take an inventory of the whys and what have I dones. Until one day, it is like the world comes to halt and in that moment, every cry, every piece of sadness that depleted your energy is explained, summed up by act, a revelation, an epiphany that puts every second of your current journey into perspective. That moment, my second was this morning when the words "Study Abroad" was spoken and my world halted.
This Boston Study Abroad is my journey, my moment of clarity and growth that I need to embrace in a way I had not since I moved here. My goals are clear. My challenges are great, but an end is in sight and in place. My dream day countdown has begun, and my challenges are being tackled head on. Now my sojourn begins.....to be continued
