I’m sitting at the airport bar with a double vodka soda and semi freaking out. After an amazing five days in NYC I’m hopping the pond and continuing the adventure to London. My heart is beating so fast and I feel my breath catching in my chest. I sit in between my brother and mother and a small part of me wishes I was flying back home with them. Luckily it’s just a very, very small part. I guzzle my drink to help ease the nerves but it doesn’t seem to have an affect. I’m nervous and anxious and thinking, “What the hell am I doing?!”

My family and I continue to chat and enjoy the last few precious moments together. My love for them is eternal and I am so blessed to have their unconditional support and blessing. The nerves begin to take over a part of my sanity when my brother suddenly says, “It’s OK to be nervous.” What a simple statement, but it allows me to process and accept what is happening. I am fully experiencing this moment in all of its glory and challenges. I can suddenly breathe easier and my emotions balance out. I feel free and whole.

After a (thankfully) tear-free good bye I’m off to my terminal. The jitters completely fade away and I begin to notice the people surrounding me. Hasidic Jews, Indians, Brits, and Americans begin to jostle the gate, impatiently waiting to board. The British Airways airline attendant starts calling out rows. I become freakishly excited when I hear his British accent. This is it! The moment is now.

I’m on the precipice of freedom, and all I have to do is step off.

Feel, think, then fly!