So it's that time of the year again. The time when you hear this so often "Oh my, is it Christmas already? The year has just flew by!" For me, so much has happened this year, everyday has been a day of reflection, everyday I hope I'm taking a step in the right direction. Don't ask me what the right direction is exactly, as long as I'm happy, it's the right direction as far as I'm concerned.
Let's have a look then at what I've done this year.....
Courage
India was absolutely one of the biggest highlight of my year. I did a lot of yoga, learnt from some pretty amazing teachers. Met a bunch of awesome people, some of which will be lifetime friends I'm sure of it. Learnt a lot about myself, the obstacles I have yet to overcome and will continue to work towards. Overcame my fear of huge cockroaches, still not a fan but no long need to run away screaming. I don't know if it's India or the yoga, but those 3 months helped me tremendously in terms of personal development and fine tuned several qualities I had wished to improved upon. It was the first time I traveled for so long away from home on my own. Although I'd planned it down to every little detail, it was a trip where I realised truly I'm not a greenhouse butterfly, I can make it out there on my own.
Goodbyes
Before taking off on my long journey away from home again, I took my time to pack, have what seems like endless farewells, spending quality time with those close to me... Whilst I know it's not goodbye, especially in an age where flying across the globe is so easy, it was still difficult because I don't know when I'll be back again. I don't know when or where I'll see those faces I've become so accustomed to in the past 20 years. I have a huge support group of friends and I am so lucky to be surrounded by all these wonderful people, what's gonna happen after I leave? Going away for 3 months is one thing, going away indefinitely is another... Saying goodbye to these special people in my live was definitely a hard thing to do, maybe that's why it took me so long to "pack" those two months! But keeping in touch has not been difficult at all, and I'm reminded everyday that there are a bunch of people across the world who love me very much :)
Reuniting
Of course I was not the first one to have left South Africa, so the first part of my travels was meeting up with old friends who have left for some time. During this time, I met up with a friend from high school whom I have not seen since 2001, exactly 10 years! It's really quite crazy when I think about it, but it was absolutely incredible seeing her again and we had a lovely time going away together. This part of the trip was not just great fun, it was also amazing to see how my friends have changed, most of them for the better, from as long as 10 years, to as little as just over a year. It always gives me a great sense of comfort to see how well my friends are doing, and knowing that they are happy makes me happy. Whilst many of us also faces various obstacles in the paths ahead, I know that we are all strong intelligent women who will easily overcome any problems which presents itself.
New Beginnings
The final quarter of the year I landed in Australia. This is officially the furthest I have even been away from home! I am having an amazing time here, and once again being reminded everyday how lucky I am to have friends even as far as this who have shown me great hospitality. This place reminds me so much of home, yet so different in many many aspect. I could totally see myself living here on a more permanent basis (definitely going to be something I'm going to look into!). For the first time in my life I need to look for an apartment, looking for a part time job that doesn't involve working for your parents, and hopefully for the first time I will teach some yoga and actually get paid for it (making your passion into your living, I'm totally in!).
Overall, it's been a pretty amazing year. I want to tell all the awesome people in my life how awesome you all are and how special my life is because of you. I have a feeling next year is only going to get even better and more legendary. Hope you all have an amazing holiday and travel safe. See you all next year. I love you~!
Posted via email from Karen In Wonderland
