To me it feels like 2009 came and went so fast. I still find it hard to believe that I spent more than 8 months on the road, travelling to places I only dreamed about a year ago.
Some of you know that around a year ago both my parents had a terrible car accident which left my mom in hospital for long time, without the ability to move her neck. At that point in time, I hadn’t seen them for close to 3 long years. Every time I planned a trip, another project popped up at work. Although I was very happy and grateful for the opportunity given to me as a manager (especially during a global financial crisis), I remember feeling quite frustrated by my inability to fly for a longer period.
I knew something had to change, but my personal financial situation made it impossible to do it right away, as I carried a considerable debt from the time I was a student. Despite my economic situation I wrote a resignation letter, bought a flight ticket and set myself a fixed date, which I promised to never change even if the Australian prime minister would personally ask me to run a project for him.
It worked! I focused all my spare energy, and in April this year, I left for a round the world trip. My family and I spent two blissful months in Israel. I travelled all over Europe during the summer. I trekked Nepal’s Annapurna Himalaya and Everest ranges, and I spent a spiritual month in India, meditating and practicing mindful living.
It feels like the universe has conspired to make all my dreams, and even more, come true. I say a lot of whispered “thank you’s” before I go to sleep these days, which I guess is another special thing that happened this year.
I celebrated this Christmas in Buenos Aires with some beautiful friends I recently met, and will celebrate New Years Eve in Rio de Janeiro with beautiful friends yet to be made.
I wish you a very happy new year and much love around you.
By Tal Gur
Personal Journeys