A New Year; welcome home

A new year. For some, a chance to leave things behind, to reject and cast aside feelings of pain, sadness or regret. For others, January 1st represents a chance to enjoy life anew, to chase after ones goals, to make life grand. For others, it is nothing more than a change in date, a day like any other. Regardless of whether the new year represents rejection of what’s passed or anticipation of what’s to come, it offers us all a chance to reflect on who we are, where we are and the path we are on. Personally, the change in the calendar marks a moment to consider where I was, where I am and where I’m going. A chance to consider past triumphs, future goals and the path between the two. Personally, 2011 was a year of discovery, of freedom, though paradoxically, of homecoming.

In February, I completed my cycle-tour of the US west coast, making many dear friends along the way, eventually arriving in Terlingua, TX; a place that held me captive to its charm, its beauty and most importantly, its inhabitants. It is a place I have since returned to and will do so for years to come. It has become a place to call home.

In the summer, my brother, his family and I returned to England for the first time in many years. Joined by family and friends in The New Forest, we scattered our mother’s ashes, returning her to her home and a place she cherished so greatly. Taking advantage of this opportunity, I then set out to rediscover the country of my birth, the land of my ancestors. For ten weeks I cycle-toured the United Kingdom meeting many wonderful people, making new friends while getting reacquainted with family I’d not seen for over twenty years. Though it was cut a bit short, leaving me without the chance to visit family in London, I returned to Canada knowing that in England, I am home.

Back in Canada, I spent time with friends and family in Toronto, Prince Edward County and Ottawa, three places in this vast land that each provide me a unique sense of belonging, of home. In Toronto, my cousins do live, as well as my family of dearest friends. In The County, I lived and laughed with friends who are more like family. In Ottawa, where I was raised, I spent time with my father, my brother and his [growing] family. I also reconnected with a few old friends. In all three locations, the feeling was the same; I was among those I love, I was home.

In two months time, I will leave this desert paradise and return to Canada, to home. There, I will resume my job at Neworld Cycle in Burlington, reuniting with all the wonderful people who always made me feel at home. Returning to Ontario also represents an opportunity to plan for the future.

Working for the summer will give me the chance to recharge my batteries–and my bank account–after being on the road for more than eighteen months. It will allow me to enjoy some of the activities that have been neglected while on the road. Part of my plan is to arrange things so I can continue this life of travel, of leisure, of living! With a little luck, I’ll work the summers and travel/tour/ride the winters. Returning to Ontario will also give me the chance to renew friendships, revisit with family and hopefully develop new relationships.

So, as I sit here in Texas, invigorated by what I’ve done and excited for what will come, all of life is before me. Vast and full of opportunity, like the desert and all its glory; like being at home.