Day 28: React to this term: Letting Go

Letting go means clearing the way to move forward. I know, because I’m doing it right now. For the second time in two years. It’s not one of those things that gets easier with practice.

I’m letting go of a place I truly loved, which at the same time means letting go of people and jobs and pastimes and an entire way of life.

Two years ago, I had to let go of Japan. When our plane left Narita that final time, my heart broke. I was leaving friends, a job I loved, and a culture that had enchanted me. I was homesick and grieving before we ever touched down at Dulles, and the funk continued during the transition period as we prepared for the upcoming assignment to England. Even after arriving in the UK three months later, I was still longing for Japan. Several stern internal dialogues were required before I finally convinced myself that hanging onto the past was interfering with my ability to fully accept and embrace the adventures awaiting in this new country. It was time to let go of Japan and live for the present.

Now, here I am again. Mourning this time for my life in England. Missing friends, missing the countryside, missing my jobs, missing the sheep, missing the accents and the wellies and the tea. But there’s stuff to get on with back here in the States. I’ve got a job to find. We’ve got a house to refresh after five years of renters. We’ve got friends and family to reconnect with on this side of the pond. There’s no time to live in the past. It’s time to let go of England and live for the present.

Cutting loose, brought to you by Jenni’s blog-every-day challenge at Story of My Life.