Ten years ago, we - my girlfriend, myself and our cat - woke up in a new home, city, and country.
After 38 years, I moved out of the part of Italy I had lived and worked my entire life.
At that time, I had no clear idea of what I was doing. I just knew I had to change something fundamental in my life. But I couldn't figure out what it was.
It all started a year before, with a growing sense of discomfort. As if the life I was wearing didn't fit anymore. The things that used to give me joy and gratification became meaningless. I changed a few habits, and I left my job. But that hole inside was not going away.
Until it became clear that if I wanted to truly do something about it, I had to do something foolish. I had to step into the unknown.
And so we went. Left our home and our country to begin a new adventure without a plan or a map.
Little did we know how far that adventure would take us.
So much happened in the last ten years, and I've changed so much that it feels like a lifetime. When I struggle with my present, I just remind myself how much can change in ten years. And that awareness fuels my hope.
Where were you ten years ago?