Wrapping up the final logistics and heartfelt goodbyes in early November, Shua packs a van but boards a plane, with an ambiguous plan to create some sort of new life on the road, forever hopeful to connect with others who also want to dig beneath the surface story currently presented - and protected - as unquestionable and absolute.

--

Music: Synapse by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com

Cooped up in Le Germain in downtown Calgary, Josh and Britt reflect on the quality of the relationship they've cultivated, the intimacy they discovered, and the adventures they've enjoyed. The choice to put growth at the heart of the connection led to a three year dance of discomfort and the commitment to lean in and learn through it all. Josh acknowledges some shortcomings and late realizations. Britt's warmhearted eloquence is on full display.

Untangling as quickly, and as gently, as possible from a life well lived. Encouragement and validation from those who know him best. Criticism from unexpected places, but less criticism than expected. Appreciating each moment, more deeply and more often. Effortful problem solving matched by effortless miracles as he surrenders to the unknown.

Referenced (and recommended) meditation: Live Awake by Sarah Blondin: Accepting Change

Shua tells his four closest friends about his sudden plan to leave and shares his early ideas of what he plans to do. Paigey, Madison, Gibby, and Dittles all react to the news, share their concerns, offer support, and make suggestions in a way that good friends are always ready to do. A wonderful cocktail of hard questions, ambiguous answers, tears and laughter. 

Recorded Mid-October, 2021.

A clumsy recorded conversation in a hotel room. The beginning of the end of a relationship in its current form. An emotional first attempt to verbalize my plans to leave. Sadness, support, and confusion.

Recorded on October 10, 2021.

(released with enthusiastic mutual consent)

To help make sense of how he decided to leave, Shua reflects on various themes and life experiences including non-conformism, transience, growth, stability, and loss. It turns out, much of the struggle has equipped him with the capability to leave and the hunger to heal.

Referenced book: Attached, Amir Levine (2012)

Confronted with an ideology incompatible with his own and a deep-seated desire to confront his true potential, Shua makes a life-exploding decision and sets in motion an intentional yet unpredictable series of events all to answer one question: what happens to your life if you embrace everything that you are passionate about, focus on learning from and contributing to others, and leave your comfort zone in the dust?