Asia has recently begun sleeping with her head on my chest. It is abnormal…. this cat has always slept under my arms, behind my legs, or directly on my chest – but never with just her head on my chest…. she began doing this as we bounced around last week… perhaps it is her coping method to uncertainty. Either way; she’s the most adaptable cat I’ve ever met. In the matter of one week, she was in 5 different places, travelled in 4 different cars, lived in 3 different houses, went through 2 airport terminals, a security checkpoint, was in 2 different provinces – and still, she rolls with it as if she’s seen it all before. Maybe that’s just how she is, or maybe a piece of her knew I needed her to be calm in the times I wasn’t. I’ll never know, but if the only change after all of that is her falling asleep listening to my heartbeat…. what greater love could I ask for?

What a strange two weeks it has been… full of endings, and beginnings, returning home from the beauty of the mountains.  Although that change didn’t work out the way I planned, I have a sense of peace knowing that I stepped out of my comfort zone. A comfort zone in which I have been safely residing for many years… and you know what? It didn’t kill me. Change is scary, and hard, and uncertain – but I came through it with a new appreciation for myself, and my ability to determine what is best for me. I learned how to stand on my own, how to meet new people, how to travel alone – and my severe anxiety disorder and I, we made it. With trembling knees, and a pounding heart, we did it. We conquered fear gently, one step at a time.

Red-eye flights leave you lots of time for reflection, and as I took a last look at the mountains as the plane reached for the sky, I know that things will work out the way they’re suppose to…the way they always do. This experience has taught me more about myself than I really understood until now.  But my goodness, it’s good to be home. My mind and heart have always been a travelling spirit. I love seeing new places, and experiencing the beauty the world has to offer – just as much as I love the comforts of home. The never changing town, the sweet smell of horses, and the comfort of my own bed. Things feel much more settled here, as do I.

I don’t think you ever realize how much you miss a place, or the people in it until you’ve been gone for awhile.

Things I accomplished while in BC:

–  bought and sold my first car
– hiked up a mountain,
– saw waterfalls
– put my feet in the Pacific Ocean
– made new friends
– walked into a room full of strangers and left with friends
– Stood up for myself
– Got a little more comfortable being uncomfortable
– Explored places by myself
– Navigated around Whistler without getting lost (eventually)
– Travelled alone and enjoyed it
– Remembered to call my mother
– Stayed sober

And now, I wait as the next chapter of life unfolds. Things happen for a reason, and it’s exciting to see the world of possibilities.