I just watched the movie "Eat, Pray, Love" and cried like a baby because I can relate so well to Liz Gilbert's self discovery journey. Nine years ago to the day; September 8, 2001 I made a similar decision as she but under slightly different circumstances. On the eighth of September 2001 I had been back from a three week safari in South Africa only three days. It was a monumental trip because I was a self imposed workaholic and had quit my job prior to; quite abruptly. I didn’t go for the purpose of taking a life break but that is certainly how it turned out.
Nine years ago today – three days after returning from that safari – I was at my parents house telling them I was moving to Africa. I, like Liz Gilbert, was on a journey to discover me. I recall many days sitting on my deck in Knysna, South Africa staring at the ocean peacefully with no obligations whatsoever. I had to job to report to, no man to be accountable to, no pets to take care of, nothing at all to be concerned with except me.
The intention of the trip was to come out the other side with a clearer understanding of who I was and what I wanted to do with the rest of my life. Today, thanks to that journey, which was both spiritual and physical, I am a better version of me. The last nine years – and it is super hard to believe it’s been nine years – have been enhanced greatly due to that journey.
Soon I will depart on my eleventh trip to Africa; a place of great introspective for me. Michael - for the second time - will join me. This time we are heading to Namibia to see what that country and her people have to teach us and what we can learn from each other by being on her soil.
I thank God I found the fortitude to do what I did nine years ago. I was moved tonight by Liz Gilbert’s courageous decision to take a life break. I encourage all who have the opportunity to do the same to do so. Life waits for when you return from such an adventure. The pieces can be picked back up in better form than before. And I will lay money on the fact that you will never regret it.
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