54: The Heroine and the Ancient Tree

CHAPTER 54: The Heroine and the Ancient Tree

QUOTE: "The journey itself is my home." — Matsuo Bashō

LESSON: Growth is not a destination; it is the journey itself.

SYNOPSIS: I picked Emilie up from the station and we embarked on our final adventure through New Zealand’s South Island. Together, we camped by pristine lakes, cooked meals under the stars, and swam with Hector’s dolphins in icy waters. When Emilie returned to Wellington, I continued alone, driving toward Mount Cook, where I met Rick, an Australian hiker walking the Te Araroa Trail. He joined me for five days of meaningful conversations, shared meals, and Tai Chi practice, helping me capture the breathtaking landscapes on film. Though our time together hinted at potential romance, my heart was focused on completing my journey and preparing for the next chapter of my life. As I made my way north I stopped by a deserted beach near Christchurch where I filmed my last Tai Chi video in front of a massive tree trunk washed up by the sea. Standing before the vast ocean, I felt a profound connection to the elements—the waves, the sand, the air—and a sense of stability I had spent years seeking.