“Sometimes, locations throw us into different seasons…”

These are the comforting and wise words shared with me by a dear friend, a kindred soul, and soul sister after I shared my experience of returning home after effectively building up a new life in Australia over five years. All temporary visa living (#VisaLife). And now those visas have expired I’m back to starting again… again.

“This is life. Things get taken away. You will learn to start over many times — or you will be useless” (329) — Mitch Albom, The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto

This is the third time I’ll be starting over. I get asked if leaving a place or people is difficult anymore since I travel so often. Of course, leaving people and places is difficult, especially when you leave your imprint and your soul feels connected to the environment. It is always difficult. The feeling becomes more familiar and I know better that the waves of emotion will always eventually pass.

“Then when you move into your new location you kind of blossom or turn into a beautiful butterfly!”

And therein lies the lesson and steps for processing locational or seasonal change. Look at the caterpillar, cocoon, and butterfly. I often get nervous about change. I am just more comfortable with that discomfort of not knowing (an original song title and some lyrics).

Knowing — following your flow

Knowing — trusting where you’ll go

Knowing — that we’ve been here before

Knowing — knowing that the journey is everything

 

“Maybe you’re just in your cocoon phase. I love the cocoon phases! So long as you don’t stay in them too long!”

And therein lies another lesson and step for the journey. While there are benefits in resting, hibernating, and taking the time to recalibrate, it is just a season, and life needs to cycle and flow. I suppose the practice is knowing what to pack for this cocooning journey. Look at the caterpillar before it builds its cocoon. The body, mind, and soul must be well nourished so there is strength when coming out the other end.