Tabula Rasa

So, here I am. Separated, soon to be divorced, at 29.

I wouldn't say I've lived an interesting life up until this point, but it hasn't been boring either. My ex was at the centre of half of that life, though, having met in high school and having spent all of our twenties together, all of the firsts of a couple - first kiss, first time, first place together - through university, job hunting, a brief marriage, and though now we're done, she's still special, and a friend to me, despite how things ended.

But ended we are, and so now I'm starting over.

We all get a clean slate at least once, a "do-over" as Billy Crystal's character in City Slickers assures us, and I'm lucky to have this opportunity now while I'm still young. I'm blessed to have my friends, my family, a great job with supportive bosses who have my back and where I can excel, excellent health, living in a community I love, with the talents that I have.

For much of my teens, my ex was my mission in life. I started crushing on her at 14 years old, but wasn't ready - physically, emotionally, spiritually - to ask her out. That didn't happen until 18, and by then, I had become someone I never dreamed I would ever be (and I've always dreamed big). Mission accomplished.

For much of my twenties, finding a career balance was my mission in life. I went from many jobs, and though people told me I was a flake and that I should "grow up" and stick to one thing, in the end, that diversity of experience was the thing that got me into the Public Service, and I don't intend to leave. I am secure, not only to live well, day to day, but to pursue my real passion of writing and becoming a best selling author. And I did it at 29 years old. Mission accomplished.

Now, with my thirties only months away, I have a chance at greater glory, the golden days of my life where I will truly make miracles happen. I have the chance to create my dreams, leave footprints in the faraway places of the world, build my own kingdom at home, and do it all while finding new whirlwind romances, and finding my next and hopefully last great love to brave the storms with together.

It's a great new beginning, the next great story of my life. Welcome to the first chapter.