21 x 14 x 9 inches – These are the dimensions of the suitcase holding my possessions for the next nine months. In ten days, I depart on an around the world adventure for many reasons, some of which are hard to articulate.

Insatiable wanderlust: Whether it’s experiencing what’s around the bend on a hike or exploring an Asian food market, I am perpetually seeking out new experiences. It’s just how I’m wired.

A mid-life crisis of sorts? I became a mom when I was still in college and have been doing the “responsible” thing ever since. And now, 22 years later, my daughter is a college graduate herself – and I’m excited to say, she will be going on the first part of this adventure with me. If this is my mid-life crisis, there certainly are worse vices!

Finally, I’m still not sure what I want to be when I grow up. There are many aspects of teaching I love, but I have other interests that I want time and space to explore as well. Or maybe my travels will reignite my passion for the classroom. Stay tuned. In the meantime, as I make my final preparations, my emotions waffle between excitement and fear of the unknown, but I ultimately feel a peace – that this journey is exactly what I was meant to do at this moment of my life.