Reconnect

As time passes and the wounds of leaving Japan scab over I find myself reconnecting with my family and most importantly my fiancee. Most people have made this transition easier, and a few have made it nearly unbearably difficult, but I'm thankful for both. The passive or active reinvention of oneself can be painful and rewarding, but what really makes it complete is seeing what sticks when transplanted back to an old place. The way I view myself, my family, my friends and the faceless crowd in the street have changed. The way I interact, or rather the way I want to interact with all of these people has changed as well. What I want to give and receive from these interactions has changed as well. The fallout from all this is still settling. But I left Japan with a goal to deal with things better, to try to be more thoughtful in my own words and decisions and to remain positive in all things. Some will think I've blown this goal, but I'm not answering to them. For me, I'm starting a new life, not continuing an old one.

Growing closer to my fiancee has led me to feel more in tune with the rhythm of this new life and is helping me to reintegrate with my family. I am thankful for everyone's patience as I mourn what feels like the loss of my friends in Japan, and for lifestyle I'd grown accustomed.