How is it that one rediscovers the connection to their city only after they are barred from physically moving around in it?
It's been six years since I wrote anything here and I feel rusty, so forgive me. There was a time when this space is what held me up, kept me strong, helped me process and navigate my relationship with this city (and myself). And then somehow, I felt I didn't need it anymore. Or maybe I let it fade away.
Over the years, I had always felt that writing helped me deal with loneliness in the cities, villages and towns I moved to. So when I didn't 'feel lonely' anymore, I guess I thought I didn't need it. Or I got busy. I see now how wrong I was. While it certainly helped with the loneliness, having these words has and always will be, a deeply personal, reflective and fulfilling part of this path that I'm on. They bear witness to my journey.
So today, with the city under lockdown, as I cycled down an empty version of the busiest street in my neighbourhood of six years, I reminded myself of the stories I still need to tell. About the city that I have called home for all this time. About the people that I know (and those who I don't), the person I have become (and am trying to be), and the miles I have left to travel.
I can't wait to dust off the cobwebs..
It's been six years since I wrote anything here and I feel rusty, so forgive me. There was a time when this space is what held me up, kept me strong, helped me process and navigate my relationship with this city (and myself). And then somehow, I felt I didn't need it anymore. Or maybe I let it fade away.
Over the years, I had always felt that writing helped me deal with loneliness in the cities, villages and towns I moved to. So when I didn't 'feel lonely' anymore, I guess I thought I didn't need it. Or I got busy. I see now how wrong I was. While it certainly helped with the loneliness, having these words has and always will be, a deeply personal, reflective and fulfilling part of this path that I'm on. They bear witness to my journey.
So today, with the city under lockdown, as I cycled down an empty version of the busiest street in my neighbourhood of six years, I reminded myself of the stories I still need to tell. About the city that I have called home for all this time. About the people that I know (and those who I don't), the person I have become (and am trying to be), and the miles I have left to travel.
I can't wait to dust off the cobwebs..
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