Orly airport, outside of
Paris, France. A lonely, scared
22-year-old sat on a bench feeling like she had just made the biggest mistake
of her life.
Distraught, she barely
heard the last and final call for her flight to Yaounde, Cameroon, West Africa.
She bolted into action and ran like the
wind towards a future unknown and unraveled.
On that journey to my
first overseas assignment in Cameroon, I felt like I had signed away my life to
the British Foreign & Commonwealth Office, trading breath itself in
exchange for adventure.
Growing up in and
around Glasgow, Scotland I had up until that point lived a delightfully
provincial, charming, yet small life.
Burning in my bones
was this idea that there must be “more." But more what? more travel, more freedom, more choices? I just knew something was impelling me
forward.
I wish that I knew what I
know now,
When I was younger,
I wish that I knew what I
know now,
When I was stronger
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1_xwnb3cymc Have a
listen!
Flash forward to
today, 2017 a so-called baby-boomer, living in the USA with multiple countries
and cultures under my belt - what would I tell that anxious, frightened
adult/child who sat quivering on the bench at Orly?
Imagine I was a fairy
godmother, what wishes would I grant her?
I would pack a suitcase full of wishes to carry with her. I would
tell her that a life filled with wonder doesn’t just happen all by itself; a
life full of satisfaction and fulfillment requires time, intention and immense
focus to dance with adventure.
After four continents, six countries, over 25 moves, four languages and many homes the suitcase full of wishes would be packed like this.
I wish I had known everything turns out in
the end - and whenever it isn’t looking
good - it's not the end of the chapter. More intention, more application and a
bit of persistence is required to have the successful resolution.
I wish I had understood the "law of unintended
consequences”. Our decisions have consequences
that take us into worlds we never would have imagined – this is absolutely natural
and perfect.
I wish I had applied myself
to being more “me”. I wish I
had told the deeper truth more often, spoken up more frequently, been less
“nice” and taken much better care of myself.
I wish I had understood all along that day-by-day and moment-by-moment something was growing inside my soul. My perspective, my memories, a richer deeper imagination and a more mature appreciation was germinating.
I wish I had understood the beautiful
value of grief and the children it bears along the road. Leaving a trail of beloved people, cultures
and places behind builds up an internal mountain of grief to be processed and
loved. I continue to climb this hill. My
steps are more deliberate, more loving and accepting of the new life I give
birth to daily.
I wish I had been more consistent and less
impetuous. I also wish I had taken more
risks.
I wish I had the tools I have now. Primarily those of gratitude & forgiveness.
I would have practiced them more frequently and become more confident in their
application.
I wish I knew that I was smart.
I wish I knew then that life is precious
and portable. Grabbing adventure by the horns gives us the opportunity to create
a bigger world-view.
I wish I knew then that relationships require
so much application and work. Building a team requires being global-hearted and
open-minded.
If I knew then what I know now,
I’d be different, I would slow
down,
As the world spins round and around,
I wish I knew then what I know
now.
Lyfe Jennings, lyrics
I would also recommend
that young adult pack some tools for the journey.
b)
Maintain an open mind. Be willing to be surprised and delighted and prepare yourself for that.
c)
Align yourself with people who
share your values, let that be
your north star. And, avoid people who
believe they can succeed
on their own – success is almost always collaborative.
d)
Ask questions
that begin with “what” and rarely ask
questions that begin with “why”, better
answers ensue.
Had my invisible suitcase been packed with these wishes and tools, I believe the journey might have remained the same, yet I would have been different – perhaps more fun.
Here’s to your version of “more”, what “more” would you love?
Where is your next adventure taking you?
For a copy of the Expat Toolkit – An A to Z Guide of Who You Need to Be
to Master the Adventurous Life go to EXPAT TOOLKIT
Enjoy the ride, use the tools and keep us updated as to the
success you are building through your unique and unrepeatable adventure.
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