Well, here we are again, on the brink of new discovery and the beginning of a new chapter in life.
Retirement has yet to set in. I've been moving too fast to get everything wrapped up, boxed up, cleaned up, and moved out, as well as making the last-minute preparations for my second trip to Costa Rica, with the express purpose of getting more comfortable and fluent in Spanish. But to do so I'm first going to have to take a moment to breathe in the new air and relax into the learning opportunity. I have yet to do that. Maybe after tomorrow, when the trip is behind me and I've got a chance to just sit and take in the view of the mountains and breathe the air of San Jose, I'll begin to let go of the tension and open myself to the possibility.
Of course, that's only half of the process. The other half is letting go of myself enough to allow me to make the mistakes and live with the humiliation. I couldn't do that the last time out, so the language remained 'academic study' and never moved into the level of conversation. This time has to be different.
Am I setting myself up for failure? Will the new air give me a new confidence? Will I just let go and let it flow through me? That's the question.
The answer waits for Costa Rica.
I'm going back! And that, my friends, is reason enough for celebration.
I want to see new things, meet new people, express myself in a different language and enjoy the wonderful culture again. Pictures will be posted. Events will receive reflection, and you and I will explore together this new reality.
I look forward to sharing the journey.
And so, to bed.
Rick
7/8/2010
Four Points by Sheridan at Will Rogers World Airport