This thought came to me the other day and I wanted to capture it here.  I was trying to analyze what I’m feeling now that I can count the days until I am free from Corporate America (and sadly from a regular pay check).  Here’s my metaphor.

Have you ever been in a foreign city trying to navigate their train system? You get on the train to, let’s say Venice, but an hour into your journey you realize you’ve actually gotten on the train to Prague. CRAP!  How could you have gotten so off course? First thing, you check your train map a few times, convinced you really couldn’t have made a mistake like that.  You peer out the window at train station signs hoping to see the name of the station that should be next according to your map. But eventually you just have to accept the fact that you made a mistake. You gather your luggage together, wait for the train to slow at the next stop, shuffle to the door feeling a little sheepish and get off the train. 

Now you’re alone on the platform in the middle of nowhere. You take the stairs to cross to the other side of the track and settle yourself on to a bench to wait for the next train going in the direction you’d originally intended.  You don’t know if this train will be a plush first class ride or a packed commuter train. You don’t know if you’ll have a seat next to a screaming baby or a brand new friend. Or both.  All you do know is that you are finally about to get back on the right path to where you originally wanted to go. A mix of relief, anticipation and even a little regret is swarming around in your head and in your heart.  Relief that you’ll soon be back on the right track, anticipation of what will await you when you arrive at your destination and a little regret for having let yourself get so lost. 

Well, that’s where I am right now – on the platform, bags in hand, waiting for the right train to arrive.  I may not know how I’m going to get there, but at least I know I’m heading in the right direction.