Growing up: change is good

I haven’t written in over three months.
It hasn’t been due to a lack of desire, inspiration or motivation.
It hasn’t been due to a lack of wifi, technology or experiences.

It has taken me from a period of warm and long summer days, gradually entering into autumn, falling leaves, damp, chilly evenings and cool, fresh mornings, to be able to articulate all the change that’s happened during the transition in seasons.

I did a quick search of the definition of ‘autumn’ and it came up with “a period of maturity or incipient decline“.

Let’s go with the first bit – I feel like I’ve matured a bit over the past few months (whether intentionally or by accident is besides the point) but sometimes you need to absorb these experiences and let them sit for a while before you can take stock of them.

There have been more than three things which have taken place between July and October.

I can’t describe them in detail but their effects have started to create a change of heart, relationship dynamics and future goals.

In chronological order but not in order of importance, they included:

• submitting our application for me to stay in the UK with the husband: we are still waiting on this decision and as time rolls on, our patience is waning and our attention is turning to other ways we can live the life we want to create together, with less ongoing paperwork and uncertainty that an international relationship typically invites.
• taking the time to learn a new skill: with the goal of creating something for others to cherish, use and enjoy in their day-to-day lives.
• the passing of my Grandmother: due to the above UK bit, I wasn’t able to say goodbye to her in person or take part in her memorial service, which I am sure affects many expats but the shared experience doesn’t quite replace the lack of closure. I did however get to visit Canada one week afterwards, where I spent time with family, friends and colleagues. They say time heals everything but I think there’s also a strong case for the impact of ongoing support from a network you trust, in a place you feel familiar.
• presenting at and participating in an event in Australia with one of my sisters: getting to visit the first home I had with the husband felt like I had never left, it was an odd feeling but a great one at the same time. We also had the opportunity to visit Adelaide, a city I had never been to before. I was overwhelmed by the positivity, kindness and openness I experienced during those two weeks and left feeling rejuvenated and looking forward to the next chapter and 2016.
• being part of my other sister’s wedding party, with the husband: it was a short but sweet week spent in Canada where we had the chance to meet our new brother-in-law’s family, dance and laugh. It was the first time we were both at my family farm since Christmas 2013 and autumn in Eastern Ontario is always one of the best times of year.
• I signed up to volunteer as part of a children’s literacy project: I haven’t volunteered regularly since we left Australia in 2013 and I wanted to do something small that will make a gradual impact over time.

If it doesn’t challenge you, it doesn’t change you.

There are two months to go before 2016 and as we wait for an outcome in the UK, we are preparing to hibernate for winter, make future travel plans and consider our long-term options. We can feel a change is a coming and are starting to see what direction we should be heading in. Stay tuned for those posts in 2016.

Over the next few months, I will be focusing on sharing:

• local London adventures {walking, eating and exploring}
• inspiration for creatives {things I’ve noted along the way}
• small business and remote work links {resources I’ve discovered}

Here’s hoping you’re enjoying the crisp season and making the most of the changes around you.