The calendar page turns, November makes its entrance, embodying the silent prowess of a leopard stalking its prey, rich with anticipation and a deep, intrinsic knowledge. The Arctic winds, far from being mere specters on the horizon, now gently lap at the remnants of these gilded autumn days, whispering subtle reminders of an October snowfall that is gracefully receding into the embrace of memory.

Seated at my desk on this first day of November, I gaze upon an open calendar, its pages no longer saturated with the relentless demands of meetings, deadlines, and the constant pressures of projects to complete and new ones to conceive. This chapter of my working career within the not-for-profit sector, which began as a six-month contract with an employment services agency two years ago, has come to a close. The final email has been sent, the last phone call concluded, and the proverbial ‘i’s dotted and ‘t’s crossed.

My gaze shifts to the traffic, steadily flowing across the bridge towards the city center, mirroring the river that glides silently by, steadfast between its banks.

Memories surface of a time four years prior when I last stepped away from the formal workplace, worn and burdened, feeling empty, like a broken vessel filled to the brim with exhaustion and heartache. The tumultuous final months in that workplace necessitated a retreat, a six-month respite devoted solely to healing, rejuvenation, and reigniting my imagination and sene of being present, free from life’s encumbrances.

Today, however, I step away with a heart buoyant with achievement and energy, poised to embrace the opportunities I am creating to ‘live large’ and ensure my most meaningful contributions to the world reflect the change I aspire to both create and embody.

I am enveloped in gratitude. Gratitude for the prologue to my formal working career, a narrative that truly resonates with my passions, abilities, and creativity. Gratitude for the privilege of collaborating with a team of unparalleled dedication and accomplishment, committed to both the clients we served and the agency’s mission. Gratitude for the lasting friendships forged, with individuals who have indelibly impacted my life and the world. Gratitude for every moment, every lesson, every connection.

As I stand on the threshold of the days, weeks, and months to come, excitement courses through me. Excitement for the potential to create, build, and achieve; for the dreams I have tenderly nurtured; for the seeds I have sown in the fertile grounds of autumn’s repose; and for the promise of a new day that awaits me with each sunrise.

In this moment of reflection and anticipation, I am anchored by a profound sense of gratitude. I carry with me the lessons and memories of the past, and step across the liminal space of the past fading away and the future unfolding with an open heart, ready to weave a tapestry of dreams and actions in the rich soil of possibility. Here’s to the journey ahead, filled with boundless potential and the promise of newfound adventures and fulfillment.