Many years ago I penned a piece titled ‘To the gypsy within’. At the time I felt her presence deeply. I was at a stage in my life where I was embarking on a path that looked very different to those around me. I was travelling a lot and there was a sense of mystery and intrigue about my life from the outside looking in. In many ways that time represents the truest version of myself. In the years that have passed I have seemingly taken a more conventional direction. That in itself had me questioning whether that gypsy within had long departed; or had she just simply lay dormant biding her time, ready to emerge again.
People often ask me about the symbolism of that gypsy tattooed on my arm. For a long time I couldn’t respond with what she meant to me now. For I had believed that I no longer was true to her essence because of certain life events that held me in the same esteem as others. I had forgotten that at my core I am actually somewhat of a trailblazer and that doesn’t go away because of some sensible life choices. In truth, I’ve always described myself as curious, I’m interested in experiencing and understanding everything that is available to me in life. By nature I’ve tended to view things in an inquisitive way which lends itself to transforming even the ordinary and mundane into an adventure. At my core I have always felt a deep push to constantly ask questions and live life more curiously.
These days, after everything that has occurred in my life in the last few years I feel like that gypsy within is somehow awake once more. I feel her presence in the act of searching for more in life. I can feel her coaxing and willing me forward. I hear her whispers which urge me to live life my own way. She tells me to lean into my strengths, take chances and not be preoccupied by other people’s expectations or opinions. What all of this reminds me of is that I have somehow become someone who forgets to take chances. In a way, I have forgotten myself and the ever wandering nature of my soul.
In order to regain that person, I understand that I need to evoke the gypsy within me once again. I need to lean into her energy, into her willingness to take an unknown path without plotting out its potential outcomes. Perhaps part of the entire exercise requires amending the idea of the life outcome I see for myself. Perhaps it’s somewhat starting again in the way I envision my future. By centering the things that mean the most to me and bring me joy. Maybe it’s by focusing on the concept of freedom, allowing myself to wander and investing in my deep, intuitive connection to nature and the things around me.
What all of this will mean is committing to a departure from societal norms. It will mean living life differently and on the edges. It will centre experimenting, trying things out without the foreshadowing of what others will think of me. This mindset will allow me to follow my passions, listen to my heart and be guided towards wherever they may take me. I promise to centre the notion of the gypsy through her commitment to independence, freedom and adventure. All concepts which speak to my soul and represent everything I have ever searched for in life. This is why I have that gypsy figure displayed so prominently on my skin; and this is what she means to me.
I therefore acknowledge the symbolism of the gypsy that has emerged in my life once more. Acknowledging that she was always there. I am thankful that I get to live my life differently. That I will never take the paved path forward. I will always choose to be led by heart and find my own way. I understand and acknowledge that this will be tough at times and I will need to draw strength from within. But with the idea of that brave, fiery trailblazer in my heart, the gypsy within, I know I will stay the course forevermore.
I blog for Change. 