Can you feel it? The curiosity, the anticipation, the fear?
When we are on the brink of any new experience or venture, we often have a whole range of feelings vying for attention.
Right now, a matter of days before I leave my current role, I am standing at the mouth of this tunnel. I have an idea of what lies ahead, but there is no certainty. I can't see into the shadows. It takes a certain amount of bravery to take the first steps into the darkness and trust that I will come out the other side intact.
There was a time when I would have not been able to take those first steps; when the world felt too uncertain, too unsafe. So what makes it possible now? What gives us the courage to leave what we know and try something new?
There is no difference between me and a young child who is torn between sitting comfortably on their parent's knee and venturing out into the world to discover the wonders that are waiting.
What makes it possible for me now, and for children, is knowing that there is safety and comfort in the world. A secure base and a feeling that we belong somewhere, allow us to take steps into the unknown.
We learn our independence from dependence. Safety will always be more important than exploration. A society which depends on innovation and creativity, to meet an ever-increasing range of challenges, has to prioritise well-being and security to allow its citizens the freedom to explore.
So I am exploring. There is a light at the end of the tunnel and although I am not sure what the future holds, I am sure that I will not be alone.
Connection will see me through.