And So It Begins

Everything that holds significance to us in life has value; whether it be objects, people, activities, or a combination of all these. Losing these things, even for a short period of time, can bring strong emotions and a feeling of unease. It doesn't matter how much or little we think the loss will affect us, it always has a way of tugging at our heartstrings.

As I prepare to embark on Class Afloat, I have already learned my first few lessons of this experience:

1. Leaving comfort is daunting.

No matter how prepared you think you are to do something, when it comes to the actual experience, everything changes. The comfort and peace that you once had in the idea vanishes in a blink of an eye. While the excitement may still be there, uneasiness also becomes a very real emotion as well. I have spent the past few days taking my entire life and consolidating it to the confinements of a medium sized duffel bag. There was no space for those extra luxuries that once cluttered my very existence on a daily basis. Instead, I am being forced to take a more simplistic approach to my needs. What is really necessary for me in the next six months? Maybe I don’t need ten outfits; five or six should be perfectly sufficient for this trip. It was little things like this that I have spent my time deciding recently. That being said, some luxuries are still needed. Photos of family and momentos from friends are just some of the things I managed to make space for despite adding no physical value to me while away. It's the emotional ties that I have that pushed me to find way to fit it in.

That's in my past now though. My duffel is closed and is making its way through the endless chambers of the airport baggage system as we speak. Simultaneously, I am saying my final goodbyes to my nearest and dearest friends and family before I descend through the security checkpoint and therefore begin my trip to Barbados.

2. Limitations are just perceptions.

What once seemed like the most impossible thing to ever take place in my life is now becoming a reality. Sure, it took work and perseverance but it has also led me to a position that I am incredibly grateful to be able to say I am a part of and, who knows what the opportunities are that will open up in the future because of this one.

In life, we create so many barriers for ourselves. And not to say that they aren't based on very real things but in retrospect, many of these barriers hold little significance in the present day. While Class Afloat is a prime example of this for me, it’s not the only one. In my daily life, I have begun to realize what is valuable to me and what is insignificant. Some things are worth putting your all into while others are much better off being left behind in the rubble. Class Afloat is something that I have put every ounce of my will to live into recently and I am profoundly grateful for where that has brought me to today. I didn’t make it to this point without the help of others though. Mom, Dad, Grandma, Papa, Anna, Mr. I, anyone that believed in me, thank you. I am so grateful to be surrounded by individuals who have looked at me and did nothing but unconditionally believe in me and my vision. You are the people that have made me realize that what I thought was impossible, was just me building meaningless barriers for myself.

So as I post this message, I am overwhelmed with a jumble of emotions. I’m excited for what my future holds for me but I’m also so incredibly nervous for what I am leaving behind. No matter how incredible this experience is, I won’t forget the people that are back at home. They are the foundation of my existence and have made me into the person that said yes to this adventure all that time ago last January.

As I say goodbye to Vancouver, I say hello to my next segment in life. As I define my individuality, I eagerly await discomfort with open arms. While I don’t exactly know how all this will all go quite yet, I can’t imagine it will be easy. I will push myself to new limits and in the process, if I’m lucky, I will find my inner self. Chapter one is underway. Buckle up, Expedition E has begun.

P.S. Enjoy this little video I put together on Christmas Day. I know it's cheesy but I think it encapsulates the fact that the people around me are some of the best. You will all be missed and despite being far in person, will be near to my heart.