You know that feeling when you graduate from school feeling like you’ve learned all there is to know? All of the ups and downs, the tests and tribulations you’ve endured have now brought you to this point of ultimate understanding? Nothing can stop you. Until you’re freshman again at your new school.
That’s kind of how I felt moving to Vancouver. Everything was new, but I had lots of knowledge and experience in my back pocket. Upon some reflecting I did the other day, I realized I’ve had more firsts this year than I thought.
This last year, it was my first time…
…Living on my own
…Moving homes, period
…Being genuinely single
…Asking for help, and asking for what I need. I’ve broken through a lot of personal walls this year, allowing myself to be vulnerable and ask for help when I need it (by the way, it’s effing scary)
…Flying first class
…Going to Calgary
…Letting my body and mind have a break from my rigorous gym routine since I was 16
…In California
…Climbing a mountain
…Swimming in the Pacific ocean
…Participating in a personal development program (“People who don’t work on themselves are just fucking selfish”)
It’s been a year since I left my parents basement to reside on the glorious fifteenth floor, and Vancouver has certainly taken me on a whirlwind romance ever since I touched down. My most recent trip back home was much like seeing an old love. I forgot how much I love it there. I have to wonder if I left too soon. I remembered why I left, but oh, was I ever shown how I could stay. And why I’d want to go back. Much like rehashing an old relationship, I have to consider what needs to change before I can make that choice. Much like rehashing an old relationship, sometimes all it needs is time.
I’m nowhere near close to putting on my graduation cap when it comes to closing this chapter of my life. But I most definitely have a new set of skills to maneuver living out my sophomore year in Vancouver. Happy Vanniversary, class.
PS: Here's what I learned on my six month!
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