I remember the first day I was on a call with my therapist when I thought about backpacking through Europe. It started as a small idea I had after coming back from a short trip to Puerto Rico. I half expected her to shut it down. I was ready for her to lecture me on how I intentionally launch myself into crazy scenarios and wonder why I feel anxious. However, she did quite the opposite. She told me it sounded like a great idea, and for the next 3-4 months continued to ask me about how and when and where. Before long, I had quit my job, packed all my stuff, and agreed to spend a month in Ireland on a dairy farm.

Now, I write from a new home in Rathanker Passage, a farming area just East of Cork City, Ireland. Sitting across from me is a young French boy, appearing maybe 15 years old at most who doesn’t speak any English. Next to him is an older man, Gerard, who owns and oversees the farm. Somewhere else in the house are a few others. Or maybe they are not here? I don’t know. What I do know though is that I have 3.5 weeks here to figure out how I fit in, how to make myself useful, and how to explore the area on my own two feet.

I’d be a total liar if I told you it was amazing and exciting and perfect. Don’t get me wrong, it IS exciting. There is so much unknown, and with that comes possibility and hope. However, there is also SO MUCH UNKNOWN.

Some people tell me I am brave, but I’ve always just considered myself as slightly impulsive. Then, later I somehow find the strength to deal with the situations I find myself in. However, recently my friend Alyse got me hooked on a new term….”SEND IT”. It really resonates with me, the idea that each day I have the opportunity to just go for it and see what happens. Maybe the day will be good. Maybe not. But right now, there is no other option than to jump in and hope for the best. So with that… I am sending it. Today, tomorrow, the next, and we will see where this wild journey leads.