Embracing the Journey: A New Way of Being
Tomorrow, I stand at a crossroads. I’ll be in my grandmother’s neighborhood in Ottawa, and my heart tugs at me: Should I stop by? She requested I not come by as she is in a lot of pain with her back. She is 90 and who knows how much longer she will be alive. Should I see her, knowing it might be the last time? The question isn’t just about a visit—it’s about family, forgiveness, and the courage to follow what feels true. My family’s dynamics have been a storm this past year, filled with the sharp edges of narcissism and misunderstanding. Part of me wants to walk away, to leave Canada without looking back, to let go of the weight of expectation. Another part whispers to lean in, to show up, to love despite the pain.
This isn’t just about me or my family. It’s about the universal struggle we all face: the choice to hold on or let go, to stay tethered to the past or to create a new way of being. I’m ready to leave this town, this country, after resetting my life. But more than that, I’m ready to embrace every step of the journey—the messy, the beautiful, the uncertain.
The Power of Choosing Yourself
Life has a way of testing us, doesn’t it? For me, it’s the tension between wanting to connect with my family and recognizing when their choices don’t align with the person I’m becoming. I could drop everything and never speak to them again, and part of me is tempted. But that’s not who I am. I’m someone who believes in love, in creativity, in building something bigger than myself. I’m someone who knows the universe is always working for me, even when it feels like it’s not.
Tomorrow, I’ll head to Ottawa, Canada’s capital, and soak in its energy. I’m reading Harry Potter right now, and maybe I’ll cast a few metaphorical spells—Expecto Patronum to summon light in the dark, or Wingardium Leviosa to lift my spirit above the heaviness. I’m learning to let go of the family’s expectations, to release their choices as theirs, not mine. I know the kind of human I am: one who loves fiercely, creates boldly, and leads with vulnerability.
Vulnerability as Strength
I’ve always been good at sharing my past, laying bare the lessons learned from hardships. But being vulnerable in the moment? That’s harder. It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s where the magic happens. This journey—my journey—is about embracing that discomfort. It’s about laughing at the process, savoring the detours, and trusting that I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be.
To anyone reading this, know this: you don’t have to be perfect to create a new way of being. You don’t have to have all the answers. What you need is the willingness to lean in, to love all aspects of yourself, and to let go of judgment—toward yourself and others. That’s where freedom lives. That’s where you build a movement, not just for yourself but for everyone who dares to dream bigger.
A Movement for a New Way
I’m doubling down on myself, on my vision to create a space where boys can become men, where we can all learn to love the journey and laugh at the chaos. This isn’t about running from the past or chasing the future—it’s about standing in the present, heart open, ready to create something new. I’m building a movement, one that invites you to be vulnerable, to lead with courage, and to trust that the universe has your back.
So, tomorrow, I’ll decide whether to visit my grandmother. I’ll listen to my heart, not out of obligation, but out of love—for her, for myself, for the life I’m creating. And as I walk through Ottawa, maybe I’ll whisper a spell or two, reminding myself to stay free, to stay true, and to keep building a new way of being in this world.
What’s your next step? Are you holding onto something that’s weighing you down? Or are you ready to let go and create your own path? Share your story, join the movement, and let’s lean into the journey together.
Connect... Gordon GordonBufton@Proton.me @GordonBufton