Following a steady stream of goodbye themed events celebrated with friends and coworkers, I think today the reality of what is happening finally started to kick in. Until now, it has all felt a little surreal- this whole process has taken so long to complete that I had grown used to thinking of it as something off in the future - something down the road. 
But now, one day from departure, still unpacked, over stocked and desperately underorganized, I realize all too well that time is growing scarce and that I am leaving. And that this time I won't be coming back. While I must confess that the idea of minimal belongings and total freedom has always appealed to me, I half worry that with nothing left to tie me down, I'll float away.
Since losing my brother last year, I have learned that the relationships we form with others in this life play a not insignificant role in helping us find ourselves and our happiness. Learning to appreciate our unique attributes and the fact that individuals with such varied backgrounds and life experiences can come together and form a team of friendship, work productivity or creativity is an important and valuable lesson. We are all pieces of an intricate puzzle, who fit together to make life happen. I realize now that when I am old (and hopefully wise), I will look back and treasure the moments spent laughing, knowing and enjoying the company of people. I can say with all sincerity that the people I have grown to know over the past four years have made me a better person, and have taught me to hold myself to a higher standard. While I am still not entirely sure what I want to be when I grow up, I can now say that I have finally met people in the business world who inspire me and have shown me what it is to be a true professional. And with that parting thought, I bit adieu to what has certainly been my favourite job to date.
And so onwards! Istanbul...here I come.
But now, one day from departure, still unpacked, over stocked and desperately underorganized, I realize all too well that time is growing scarce and that I am leaving. And that this time I won't be coming back. While I must confess that the idea of minimal belongings and total freedom has always appealed to me, I half worry that with nothing left to tie me down, I'll float away. Since losing my brother last year, I have learned that the relationships we form with others in this life play a not insignificant role in helping us find ourselves and our happiness. Learning to appreciate our unique attributes and the fact that individuals with such varied backgrounds and life experiences can come together and form a team of friendship, work productivity or creativity is an important and valuable lesson. We are all pieces of an intricate puzzle, who fit together to make life happen. I realize now that when I am old (and hopefully wise), I will look back and treasure the moments spent laughing, knowing and enjoying the company of people. I can say with all sincerity that the people I have grown to know over the past four years have made me a better person, and have taught me to hold myself to a higher standard. While I am still not entirely sure what I want to be when I grow up, I can now say that I have finally met people in the business world who inspire me and have shown me what it is to be a true professional. And with that parting thought, I bit adieu to what has certainly been my favourite job to date.
And so onwards! Istanbul...here I come.
Hi Sarah,
ReplyDeleteI don't know if you'll get this or if you'll reply. Something compels me to reach out to you.
I'm so, so sorry about the loss of your brother. Do you mind if I ask how he died? I know what it's like far too well. I think the worst day of my life was when I lost my own brother, just about 7 years ago now. He died because of a genetic disease, that worsened over a period of about 4 months.
Your travel writing is inspiring and I find I'm kind of living vicariously through you! I hope I can get out around the world a bit more, but these days I'm stuck in rainy old Vancouver.
Another few funny things in common: my husband and every single one of my in-laws are German, and I can speak some as well. Also, my husband and I live in Kerrisdale (36th and Maple) and it's a completely different world here than in some of the places you've visited. I can't imagine how your parents react when they read this!
Best regards and very warmly from a fellow Vancouver girl,
Christine
P.S. --If you do reply, I would really, really love it if you could email me at queenbillabong@hotmail.com