It often amazes me that in casual conversation something will be said that is very pertinent to me at the time. A friend recently said "you know, everyone has a road ahead." This is so true. And the road ahead can present many challenges. How well we overcome the challenges depends on our attitude towards them and whether they are viewed in a positive or negative way. I am starting on my new road ahead and I now know that it will definitely involve teaching and passing on knowledge to others. That is in the very fibre of my being. It is who I am.
It is so good to know that there are others who feel the same way about teaching and I have already found a kindred spirit on the internet, one of many more I am sure.

Why does the past have such a strong hold on me? Why do I hold on to something long gone, long finished, or someone who should be long forgotten? Why do negative ties to the past bind me so tightly, even hold me back? Why can I not break free from those bonds?
When the children I teach come to me in distress about personal hurts caused by friends and I attempt to mediate or ease their sadness, I always clench my hands then open them palm up and say “Don’t hold on to the bad feelings. Let them go”.
If I were to hold a butterfly cupped in my hands and open them, the butterfly would take its beauty and fly away.
Why can I not let the butterflies of the past fly free?

The road ahead can take many different directions. Although there is a signpost where the paths diverge, the signs are very faint and need open-minded, flexible interpretation.
No one can tell you which is the correct path to take.
You are the explorer, the discoverer. Decide for yourself.
A path you choose may not feel comfortable - this one may end in a cul-de-sac.
Signs pointing in other directions may be less faint and may be worth exploring further.
It is your choice.

My workplace has been my second home, indeed a refuge in times both good and bad. As I started packing a lifetime into boxes, a wave of sad feelings began to well up but was swiftly dispelled in the face of a zany, fun, creative idea that popped into my head instead.
'You see,' I said to me, 'you have still got what it takes. Follow your own words to others: no tears, just celebrate!'

Surprises can be happy and exciting, or unpleasant and nasty.
Suspense is something I have never really been able to deal with. Perhaps it goes back to childhood memories of feelings of foreboding and uncomfortable anticipation when hearing the ominous words: " There's something I want to talk to you about - -later."

Perhaps the Universe, the Supreme Being or even my ancestors took this into account when I was inexplicably warned about impending events. How else can I understand why, while on holiday in the USA, I woke up one morning ten thousand miles away from those making the decision and said to my family " A thought came to me in the middle of the night. I think I am going back to no job"

Was it really a surprise when I heard the news on my return?

Illusion and reality merge seamlessly but illusion can be shattered by a breath of air, a grain of sand, a human action.

Illusion can become another illusion.

Reality exists in tangible, concrete forms.

I enjoy illusions, they can be very beautiful. But I also remain with reality to try to maintain my equilibrium.

Encased in silken threads of gold
woven for metamorphosis and growth,
old beginning now ended.
Time to rest weary wings
and fly to new beginnings.

Facing Change

They all say : " when one door closes, another door opens"
I say: " I am in an archway, moving through to the next place, my gateway to beyond"