Transitions

There is nothing like returning to a place that remains unchanged to find the ways in which you yourself have altered.
~ Nelson Mandela, 'A Long Walk to Freedom'

Driving into the city, I could see the faint outline of Pikes Peak behind the familiar buildings, street signs and landscape. Not much had changed. A couple of new stores had opened, the ongoing construction projects had just moved further down the road, the city welcomed me back like a prodigal. I tried to embrace her, to settle down into her bosom and feel at peace as I had so many times before. I couldn't because though the city hadn't changed much, I had.

This weekend I went back to the city I called 'home' for 8 years. I loved the scenery, the convenience of all the familiar stores, knowing where everything was and not having to try to figure out weird streets, but, it wasn't quite as satisfying as I expected. I enjoyed talking to friends, seeing familiar faces, but I didn't long to linger. I didn't ache to fit myself back into that life. It's not home anymore. It's time to fully let go, embrace this new place and completely settle in. This morning as I unpacked and sorted through the last of the boxes I brought back with me, there was no pain, or regret, no turmoil or angst. I'm thankful for the memories, for the lessons learned, but the future is so promising, so full of potential that I don't wish to dwell on the past. It has shaped me, formed who I am, for better or for worse, but I can leave it where it belongs, and step confidently into a future full of love and peace.