Departures

I love the idea of leaving. I always get this feeling of excitement whenever I'm at an airport, waiting for the announcement for passengers to board the plane. Now, you could argue that there is nothing more exciting than to punctuate the end of a journey by setting foot on the actual destination place. Yes, that may be so, but starting the journey, mustering the courage to put one foot in front of the other is an adrenaline rush, an experience like no other.

Yes, leaving looks a bit precarious. Should you go and challenge the unknown? Would it be worth it? What about those whom you will leave behind? Leaving poses so many constricting questions that many of us become paralyzed in fear; many of us won't even move one inch.  I've experienced leaving so many times. I've left my family behind, my home, my friends, my job; I left the life that I was used to. Was it tough? Yes. Absolutely. Now here's the kicker: I did it twice. I would be lying if I said that everything just went smoothly. It would be false advertising to say that things will eventually go the way you want them to. No, I don't really know what the future holds for me, but how would I find out if I don't begin the journey?

Leaving is painful, yet liberating. It gives you the opportunity to see what is ahead, and it also gives you the opportunity to look back and appreciate what is left behind. It is never easy, but truly exhilarating. The tears shed from the farewells are greeted with the smile of the uncertainty. We leave to move on, we leave to learn, we leave because of heartaches, we leave because of love, we leave to travel and we leave to experience life.

* Yes, that's a Mini in the picture. Some might argue that I should've chosen another car. Well...I like this car so argue all you want. :)