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Published: December 29th 2006
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When the boots split and the rain jacket zipper bust you know it is time to come home. After rolling up my yoga mat and riding the rails like a new age hobo I come to find out at the end of my year of travel and wanderlust that Time magazine has nominated me “Man of The Year”. (please see three slide shows - just click on the film strips above - and the map of my trip to understand why)
Tempting as it is to say “well of course”, I am compelled to say I have been humbled by this years I have traversed. Humbled to the mystery of life’s path when I just let go. Amazed at the turn of events when I quiet down long enough to listen to the inner voice.
As 2006 draws to a close I find that the circle is being closed in many ways. On Christmas Eve of last year all of my belongings had been stuffed into storage or checked luggage and I began my journey. The road ahead remained unknown. The adrenaline mix of anticipation and fear was pal papal anywhere my veins came close to the skins surface. I was open to wherever the journey was to lead me.
Just before Christmas of this year
I hopped on AMTRAK to go from Tacoma to Salem to spend the holidays with Jenny and Stewart and Nick and Rebecca. Salem is the start of my Train journey last year. Sitting in the train station 11 and 1/2 months ago I was anxious and nervous. Was I doing the right thing, was I making a mistake? What, and who would I meet along the way? Would I find salvation? Or would I let a need for adventure get me in trouble?
The blog entries tell the story well of what transpired during my trip. Since returning in June the journey has continued, only in a different way. I was fortunate to be hired on as Communications Director for a state wide renewable energy initiative that was passed by the voters on November 7th of this year. Besides being in line with my values and skills, the job gave me an opportunity to pay rent and put into place the pieces of the life that lies ahead of me.
On January 1st I start a new job as Executive Director for Tahoma Audubon Society, the Organization I had left so that I could take the journey. The
irony of this situation is not lost on me. However I feel rested and rejuvenated and ready to lead this fin organization into the next phase of it’s life.
In the waning days of this year I find myself strapping myself into the seat belts of societies economic roller coaster ride - talking with and handing my money over too insurance agents, care salesmen, realtors and mortgage brokers.
The fear of making commitments to a “normal” life is just as strong, yet in the opposite direction, as the fear of squirming out of those commitments in order to travel. They both have risk and unknown, and inertia is a compelling force even when in motion.
When I decided to take the trip my fundamental image, and hope, of the trip was a slow walk in the woods: Unbounded time to be in nature, to quiet, to slowly churn the soul, to heal the wounds, to discover the true self, to feel deeply. I have decided this is the art of the able. I am profoundly grateful for the gift of time, space and energy to able along in such a way.
I am also profoundly grateful
for the time to take truly beautiful and meaningful photos. The photos I took have incredible emotional resonance for me. I hope as you view the slide shows on this page above they will have meaning for you as well.
In addition I am grateful to my family and friends who have been so supportive in countless ways both materially and spiritually. My gratitude runs deep and wide to them, and they are so much of the reason for my return.
Many suggested that I would find a red headed lass and the next stage of life in Ireland. Though I knew they where projecting their dreams upon my travel, and as open to the possibility as I was, my journey has lead me back to the place I started. I have discovered from the white snow of Alaska and the green hills of Ireland, the bustling streets of San Francisco to the dust of the Grand Canyon that my home, my friends, my place, is in Tacoma. For me it is a place of beauty, friendship and possibilities. It is with joy and anticipation that I end this year of discovery with the circle closed and new beginning ahead of me.
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