“Truly independent. Sometimes surprising. Always welcoming.”

I saw this quote in the pub where mum and I had our Christmas lunch on 25 Dec 14. I thought it would be a good motto for 2015.

Independence – going on this trip and alone is a good step towards independence at least in the broad sense of being free from having to work and being accountable to any human but myself.

Surprise – I hope to have many little surprise moments, small wonderland moments. Maybe I can also surprise myself in the things I do and fears to overcome (e.g. to not having control).

Welcome – well, I will rely a lot on people being welcoming to me. In attitude I wish to always be open to those I meet and share what I can.

The only point I struggle with is that this trip is deeply selfish. I am doing it for my pure own pleasure without consideration for my family that stay in Germany and Switzerland, my friends and work colleagues in London and elsewhere that I leave behind. I will miss both of my Godsons’ first birthday. From a Christian perspective it might not be the right thing to do. Then again, who knows what will happen. Maybe this trip will be beneficial for more people than myself.