I have four days left in my NoBloPoMo challenge and I’m really proud of how far I’ve come. It hasn’t always been easy, but I’ve managed to write every day (I consider a day before I go to bed, not necessarily midnight). While my posts have been random, they’ve been getting done and I’m proud that I’ve managed to stay on task and focussed so far. And I’ve been getting it done, even with being out of town and what not.
“Can We Talk?”
I have had more difficult conversations this week than I have had in a long time. Some have turned out better than expected while others really cut me to the core and drained me of my energy. Though some were initiated by my, not all of them were my choice. A few of the difficult conversations from this week were in my professional life, a few were in my personal life, and a few were internal ones that I was having with myself. Here are a few things that I’ve learned to help me have better difficult conversations:
If You’re Reading This, I’m Still Here
This week was tough. Mentally, emotionally and physically. There were moments where I flung up my arms because I just didn’t care any more. There were moments where inside I wanted to cry but I kept it together and kept it moving. There were moments where I had to drag my limbs to take that next step and to keep it going. This week was tough. But I made it. I’m here. If you’re reading this, I’m still here. Hopefully still kicking butt and taking names, but if not, you can bet your bottom dollar that I’m giving it my all and I’ll eventually get there.
The Tears That Did Not Fall
A month ago I was packing my bags for what I know was the biggest adventure I’ve had to date. A month later, I’m sitting at the Thessaloniki Airport, enjoying my last bit of genuine Greek food, waiting to take the second of seven flights to eventually get me back home to Portland, OR. Once I get back to Portland on Monday, I have 4.5 days to catch up on what I’ve missed, pack up what I need, and say my farewells as I leave for San Francisco on Saturday for 5.5 weeks of training. Yes, it’s a crazy schedule. Yes, I chose to do it this way. No, I don’t regret it (at least not yet).
The Worst Phone Call
The mood around the bonfire when on night boat patrol is usually jovial as volunteers chat with each other in the warm of a cackling fire while keeping an eye on the horizon for a speck that turns into a boat. Usually. But not tonight. Tonight I made the worst phone call I’ve ever had to make.
I’m Glad I’m Here
Someone asked me last week, “How is your volunteer trip going?” I’ve been quiet. Not because I have nothing to say, trust me–there’s a lot that’s been happening, but more so because there hasn’t been as much time to sit and write. Or I’m simply too exhausted to. Or more often than not, there’s so much to say and share, I struggle with where to start.
Finding the Silver Lining at the Ferry Building
Saturday night. I was sitting at a bar with a fellow volunteer and new friend, Maria, having a glass of wine when we got word that hundreds of refugees were stranded outside at the port because ferries had been cancelled or rescheduled for the next morning. There was an abandoned building next to the port that they were camped out in as they waited out a pretty strong wind storm. They needed some help and supplies like blankets and food brought down, so we called a friend with a car and hitched a ride to the ferry building.
Where Did You Go, 2015?
Yesterday, when I started writing this post, it was the last day of 2015. Where did this year go? So much has happened, and so much hasn’t either. I’ve been getting all of the “end of the year” type of posts from different places; online retailers I frequent, social networks I’m part of, updates from friends and family… The end of the year is a common time for people to pause, reflect and share the lessons they’ve learned. To be honest, I don’t even know where to start. The past few months have been a blur and I barely think I’ve had time to breathe or sleep, let alone process what’s going on. But that’s my life and I’ve chosen to be that way. No complaints, just sharing observations.
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