WHY GO?

If there's one question I've heard more often these days since I've announced my leaving for a year, it's:

"Why go?"

Why leave Curlew?
Why leave all your friends and family?

Because now is the time, that's why. It's time for me to leave for a while. There's something pulling me in another direction and, before a(nother) husband and kids come along, now is my time to go and see what's in store for me- for me as an artist and for me as a human being.
It's time.

Here I am, 27 and a half years old, teaching 5/6th grade in Washington state's poorest county. I love it here, and I could easily spend the rest of my life in Curew, but if I never leave and explore, I fear I will regret settling down too soon- watching my 'exploration window of opportunity' slam shut right before my eyes.

That's why I have to leave.

There is more to me than THIS. There is more and, I am confident that it will be unlocked when I step out and take this big, giant leap. Uncertainty bows down to optimistic confidence. Optimism trumps fear. Sometimes I feel a twinge of doubt- whether i can really pull this off- everytime, however, I tell my inner pessimist to 'take a hike' and I continue planning- planning to leave, planning to paint, planning to grow and live- all of which will be best accomplished if I say 'arovior' to my comfort zone.

That's why I have to go.