The Great Escape

I didn’t expect to cry. I’m pretty sensitive, but I tend to keep my feelings tucked away nice and neatly, bringing them out only on special occasions like weddings and reruns of the Best Man Holiday.

But this morning, those feelings that rarely find their way to the edges of my eyelids caught me by surprise. I had just turned on some music and was packing my suitcase, when my thoughts drifted to this new season of freedom I’ve been introduced to for the very first time. With 10 years in the ad industry, I’ve have witnessed more layoffs than I can even count, and have gotten used to the wild ride of agency life. But nothing prepares you for the train wreck of emotion that takes over when it’s your turn to say goodbye.

For the past week my mind has felt like a packed subway car at rush hour: A million different voices all yelling over each other, pulling my attention in unnecessary directions and distracting me from where I’m supposed to be going.  All the while, The Conductor has been trying to provide directions about the next stop on my ride, but I could barely hear him over all the noise.

But as I watched the sun rise outside my apartment window this morning, it was like everybody got off the train at the same time, and I could hear The Conductor more clearly. The flood of voices that had been shouting in my head all week finally stopped, and tears of joy spilled slowly down my cheeks as I was overwhelmed with clarity and gratitude, quietly uttering two words:

“Thank you.”

For the past few months I’ve been striving for a more purpose-driven approach to my life, and have questioned if writing, traveling and other personal interests are even an important part of it. While I’ve been lucky enough to be passionate about the work I’m paid to do, I’ve seen the undeniable favor that people experience when they begin working with purpose. My hope is that I can ultimately find a situation that can marry the two, grounding my work in passions that trancend a paycheck.

In the meantime, I’ve decided to turn this season of uncertainty into one of opportunity. To get off the hamster wheel of familiarity, and harness the unique adrenaline of the unknown. I may never have a time like this again, so I plan to spend each day purposefully – embarking on new adventures, bringing passion projects to life, making a difference wherever I can, and spending quality time with people who matter most.

Wherever you are on your journey, I encourage you to do the same!

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Below is a sneak peek of where I’m headed over the next month! Travel with me at @bktraveladdict #BkEscape on Instagram and Twitter.

ABU DHABI, UAE

• The Grand Mosque
• Emirates Palace
• Evening Desert Safari

JAIPUR, INDIA

• Taj Mahal
• Indian Cooking Classes
• Ayurvedic Spa Treatments
• Holi Festival of Colors

VICTORIA FALLS, ZAMBIA

• Gorge Swing
• Helicopter Ride
• First stay in a hostel!

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA

• Door of Hope Children’s Mission
• Markets in Maboneng
• Apartheid Museum

CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA

• South African Cooking Classes with Mama Lindy
• Vineyard Tour (Because wine is life. Right next to bacon)
• Cape Point

SOMEWHERE BELOW THE MASON-DIXON LINE

Visiting friends and family, figuring out what’s next, and indulging the finest biscuits Bojangles has to offer!