Richmond, Canada
“Congratulations!
Today is your day.
You’re off to Great Places!
You’re off and away!” – Dr. Seuss
The day has finally come.
The last two weeks have flown by, and I am sitting here at the departure gate waiting for my Radical Sabbatical to begin.
I’ve been super emotional these last few days. It’s really sinking in; I’m actually pursuing my dreams.
Gratitude continues to be the word that comes into my head when I think of the last few months leading up to this moment. I worked right up to May 31st (an opportunity that was given to me by my previous employer, McDonald’s Restaurants of Canada) then I took my two weeks of (f)unemployment to go on my “Farewell Tour” where I saw some of my nearest and dearest.
It’s fascinating how life sometimes makes you forget how many people actually care about you?! I have felt so much love in these last few weeks; words of encouragement have flooded my phone and are helping me get through this extremely overwhelming time in my life.
Thank you to those of you who reached out and made time to host me in your homes or take me out for a meal. I have received an abundance of extremely thoughtful cards, gifts, and treats that I will cherish forever.
“You have brains in your head.
You have feet in your shoes.
You can steer yourself any direction you choose.
You’re on your own. And you know what you know.
And YOU are the guy who’ll decide where to go” – Dr. Seuss
My best friend Meghan drove me to the airport, as per usual. She was so gracious as I fumbled through my words and cried for the first leg of the drive. It’s not that I’m sad about leaving, I am just overwhelmed with every possible emotion and the output is tears. I know that in 365 days, she will be outside the arrival gates waiting for me to take me home. Gosh, I am fortunate to have a friend like her!
I went over to the mobile kiosk to print my boarding pass. I was speaking to the staff member about where I was going. She told me she went on a Working Holiday in her 20’s and told me I was in for the trip of a lifetime. Of course, I burst into tears when she asked me how I was feeling.
I got to the baggage check and was chatting with the agent. She asked me if I would like to upgrade to Premium Economy for $1,000 (I did not hesitate to decline). I did however change my isle seat on the left wing for an isle seat in the centre row because it’s looking like I’ll have the whole thing to myself (pppuuuhhhllleeezzzeee let that happen)! I weighed my bags and of course I was 1kg over the limit. I took out a jacket and the agent let me go through without any overage fees (thank you!!!).
Using my handy NEXUS card, I zipped through customs and spoke to some local Australians who would be joining my flight later tonight as we waited for our personal items to clear. They cheered me on as I shared my journey of embarking on my Radical Sabbatical; traveling brings so many people together!
Once I cleared customs and got to my gate, I sat on the floor in relief.
My anxiety passed, my nerves calmed, and I finally felt peace.
The adventure of infinite possibilities starts the moment the cabin doors close, and I am just ready to fall asleep.
In approx. 14 Hours, you will arrive in either Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane
“And will you succeed?
Yes! You will, indeed!
(98 and 3/4 percent guaranteed.)
KID, YOU’LL MOVE MOUNTAINS!” – Dr. Seuss
I wish I knew what was ahead of me, yet in some ways I am glad I don’t.
Every single day is a new opportunity and I am blessed beyond words to be able to experience it.
If you haven’t read this book, you MUST!
“So…
be your name Baubaum or Bixby or Bray
or Mordecai Ali Van Allen O’Shea,
you’re off to Great Places!
Today is your day!
Your mountain is waiting.
So … get on your way!” – Dr. Seuss
I hope you have enjoyed the glimpses of what’s going on in this head of mine over the last two weeks and I hope I’ve spiked your interest enough for you to follow the next 365 Days as I enter this season of self-discovery and find myself.
To see photo’s of my journey day-by-day, you can follow me on Instagram or find out who breaks my (f)unemployment streak by connecting with me on LinkedIn
Onwards,
-Zaighum
ZP's Radical Sabbatical 