A NEW START
For far too long, I had been ensconced in my comfort zone, cocooned away from new experiences.
Determined to break free, I took a bold step into the unknown.
I embarked on a holiday adventure to Krakow, Poland, accompanied by my mother, her sister, her son, and his children.
Visiting this enchanting country had always been a dream of mine, fuelled by years of reading and immersing myself in the tragic history of the Holocaust.
As the week leading up to our journey unfolded, a wave of excitement washed over me.
This was to be my first significant step toward embracing life’s possibilities in years.
On the eve of our departure, my mother chose to stay at my flat. I still hesitated to spend the night at her house, as I cherished the familiarity and comfort of my own space. I wanted to savour my last night in my own bed, surrounded by my cherished belongings.
The morning of our flight arrived, and my cousin came to pick us up at the crack of dawn. To my delight, I felt an unexpected sense of joy and serenity, devoid of the usual anxieties that plagued me before travelling abroad.
Upon arrival at the airport, we reunited with my aunt and her grandchildren.
The anticipation built as we spent a considerable amount of time navigating the bustling terminal, yet I remained surprisingly patient, a quality that often eluded me.
Once we reached our hotel, any initial confusion regarding our rooms faded as we settled into the clean, inviting space.
I found solace in the comfort of the hotel, enjoying restful nights, with only one occasion requiring me to resort to sleep tablets.
One of the most profound experiences was our visit to Auschwitz—it was a haunting, solemn journey into history.
Standing in the shadow of such profound sorrow, I was overwhelmed by the weight of humanity's capacity for cruelty based on race or religion. It was heartbreaking to witness the unimaginable suffering that once took place there.
The visit impacted us all deeply, leaving unspoken emotions swirling within us.
It prompted reflection on the long, painful history of significant injustices, such as black slavery, which had begun centuries before the Holocaust, marking a dark chapter that lasted for 400 years.
In a sense, our education has often glossed over black history, neglecting to provide the perspective of those who suffered through it.
This lack of awareness allows the historical figures of oppression to appear less malevolent than they truly were.
I expressed to my family my longing to visit a former plantation in America that embodies the harrowing legacy of the barbaric actions inflicted upon black people.
This holiday ignited within me a newfound passion for global travel. I am already booked on a family trip to Paloma, Sicily, in November.
I am eager to explore the vibrant culture of New Orleans before August.
This experience marks the beginning of a new chapter in my life.
I’ve embraced growing confidence in venturing beyond the familiar, especially when I have the independence to explore on my own terms.
Moreover, I came to realise the profound love I hold for my family and how much time I had wasted nurturing grudges and resentments.
I cherish my family, valuing their unconditional love and acceptance of me for who I am, my flaws and all.
In every aspect of life, I have discovered that there must be a balance.
**Natalie M. Bleau**
**Scripture of Balance**
