It’s funny how time has a way of repeating itself.  This has been a year of change, of growth, of ideas coming to fruition.  And don’t get me wrong, I’ve been excited about every step.

This past Fall, I have concentrated on tying up loose ends, to exit one world and enter another.  Now that my new life and I have been getting on swimmingly, I’ve found myself pausing to reflect on my previous leaps of faith.  Some were a little better than others…I mean everyone has a few details they would like to forget.  But I couldn’t help notice how my current life is mimicking my life of exactly 9 years ago.

I was once told that if you experience deja vu, then you are exactly where you are supposed to be.  I like that reasoning.  I’m comforted by the fact that I make consistent decisions and am reassured in many ways that my path is my own and the choices I make with my heart and mind somehow resonate with my soul, keeping me on a consistent journey of sorts.

Clearly 9 years is a long time ago and some large details (like my location) are different of course.  But a new experience far away from home, a new job, a group living situation, personal life, even my unique work schedule are strikingly similar to the life I lived in my early twenties.

That experience 9 years ago was one of the absolute best and worst years of my life.  I was so happy to make my own way in the world and begin to figure things out for myself.  I think I learned more in that year than I did in all of high school and half of college put together.  Saying it was difficult would be an understatement.  Consistently working 60 hours a week in a fairly dangerous occupation tested me in every way possible.

Coming out of that experience a little burnt out was tough, but I knew that no other work situation would ever be as hard.

The first time around I was scared of the change and challenge.  This time I was yearning for it.  I also think I’m able to handle and organize much more than before, so everything now is so much more enjoyable.

It makes me wonder where I’ll be in another 9 years and what challenges I will prepare for myself; what exotic destination I’ll find myself living in.

Oh, the possibilities!