Reality. Check.
A week ago I boarded a nine hour, two-stop bus ride leaving Tamarindo and heading to my next destination. I was greasy from only taking cold showers, hungry from only eating granola bars, and tired from being up all night swatting away mosquitoes and bugs. My volunteer work was over and the only conclusion about life I had come to was that I was going to move to California. I was terrified to return to New York.
And then the most miraculous thing happened… I walked into air conditioning. I took a hot shower. I ate a handful of almonds and some fresh mango. I sipped a glass of red wine. REAL red wine. (I shudder at the thought of the sour pink wine I was served at our local bar in San Ramon). After I was pampered for a bit, I sat down and took in some tough love.
I was asked questions that I didn’t have an answer to. I was made to feel like an intelligent, successful “grown up.” I was treated as an intellectual equal by two brilliant, warm and wise adults, while being guided in the same gentle manner as a doe-eyed teenager. I felt like my own parents had somehow channeled themselves through these non-biased and compassionate mentors. I listened. And I learned.
I return home in a less than a week, and I finally feel like I’m ready to go back. I have direction and I have a purpose.
Most importantly, I’ve found balance between my harshly realistic outlook on my career and my overly idealistic views on love. I know my worth.
As you all read this I’ll be sitting on a speed boat to Mal Pais to conclude my trip. It will be my last few days to “vacation”- to unwind, take in the scenery, explore the culture, read those books I’ve been saving, meet more people, and get owned by a few more waves. I have a seriously intense road ahead of me and I plan to savor every moment of the serenity, here and now.
But have no fear New York… I’m coming home. Hold on to a few of those majestic fall colors until I return.
