27 November

To be a citizen of the world one needs to remain detached, free of ties that bind one to the past, light of foot, ready to explore all that presents itself along the way. But this sense of freedom and flexibility comes at a cost to one’s personality, for there are no hindrances that can be entertained; one must move forward, and keep on moving, despite the solitary nature of such a quest.

A fortunate few will find a partner with which to share the road ahead, but for many the adventure will be, for the most part, experienced alone. And solitude affords such growth and learning; rapidly one recognises the ability to befriend a stranger in the street. And whilst relationships may be fleeting, they serve their purpose well, and both parties benefit from the interaction, whilst circumstances allow.

To be a stone that gathers no moss is often tainted as undesirable, and indeed if one did not give of, and take for, self in a balanced way then the journey would be pointless. But to minimise one’s baggage is a wondrous thing, to be free to be, in the moment, without ties to yesterday, is a recipe for self enlightenment and future joy.

In times of doubt, when all seems bleak, allow yourself to be inspired by others’ journeys bold. Think big, of universal scale, and hold a light, however weak, to your convictions, and take solace from the fact that others too are quietly embarking upon their mission with grit and determination strong.

Know that as you reclaim yourself from your past you gradually belong to all that is, and that, eternally, you will be grateful for the efforts you have made to free yourself from earthly mould.