Ten days shy of my 24th birthday, and I write to you from the island of Naoshima, where I’ll be staying for a couple of days. For a town with a population of less than 4,000 people, and one traffic light, you could say that I’ve had some downtime. That’s not to say that there’s not much to do on Naoshima (because for an island, there’s plenty), but I’ve just decided to really pace myself with my visit about here.
This island has the perfect setting to reflect in. Seaside, by the pier, with the company of a refreshing breeze, the occasional ship, open-air sculptures, and just all around stunning coastal views… I’ve been so caught up in my travels that it’s really just hit me that it’s already April. It’s so wild for me to think that I left teaching almost exactly three months ago, and have been traveling ever since. This birthday will be so different from past birthdays, most especially based on the fact that I’m far from home, the usual celebrating party, and my favorite cake from Publix.
You know how on your birthday, someone always asks: “do you feel any different? Y’know, being another year older?” I don’t think I’ve ever answered “yes” to this question before. It’s always been a “no, not really.” But as a soon to be 24 year old… things are different. I feel different. Being a world’s away from home for the majority of this past year, I’ve gained and learned so much from the experience that comes with it.
One thing that hasn’t changed is how grateful I am for everything. From being on this island on this perfect day, to being able to spend my 24th birthday in Japan of all places, and to have been on this incredible adventure for the past 8 months… it really warms my heart that I have friends and family who, despite my limited internet/traveling lyfe, take the time to let me know that they’re thinking of me. Come the holidays and now my birthday is when home is missed most.
I’m playing birthday plans by ear this year. If there’s one solid thing I’ve learned since last August, it’s that you really can’t plan everything out, and I’ve become a lot more accepting of that. So here’s to another year of uncertainty, adventure, trying to figure things out, failing, succeeding, old friendships, new friendships, and being back to an even-numbered age again!
Love from Japan ♥
JACKIEXPLORES 