It is now January 2nd. In five days, I’ll be leaving the States to begin my three-month trek through the Andes to live and volunteer in the small village of Ollantaytambo, Peru. 

 This journey really began about 9 months ago – a short time after my 28th birthday, something snapped inside my head and I decided it was time to leave New York, where I’ve lived for the past five years, and go on an adventure before moving back to my home city of DC. Now I know that horoscopes are mostly gibberish, but I’ve felt for a long time that the Washington Post’s astrologer is particularly astute, and according to her, the universe seems to agree with my decision to move and travel. For example: 

May 22, 2012: In the enchanted forest that is your life, today you will be able to emerge from the frightening woods and find solace in an emotional clearing. There is no danger here, and you will feel comfortable enough to sit down, relax, and figure out where you’re going to go next. There are two paths ahead of you, and both look equally promising. Take the one that intimidates you the most — it will be the one to lead you on the most interesting and fulfilling journey.

 July 11, 2012: The culture that you’ve been a part of hasn’t been feeling like the right fit lately — is it time to see how the other half lives? Call up someone you know whose lifestyle is one you’d like to experience for a while. See if they’d be willing to let you be their apprentice for a few days or weeks — just long enough for you to see if this is a direction you’d like to move your life in. The only thing stopping you from making a change in your life is you.

August 21, 2012: Can you hear your inner engine revving up? You’re raring to go, and today is a perfect time for you to take off! The runway is clear, and the skies are cloudless and blue — head off into the wild blue yonder! Aim for your most ambitious goals, because you are in a phase of life where they are more possible than ever. You have an excellent team of people in your corner. They’re ready to tell you what you need to hear to feel powerful and good about yourself!

And, lastly, August 27, 2012: Do you want to live your life your own way, or do you want to figure out how other people expect you to live your life and then put all your energy into living up to what you think their ideal is? If your reputation is your top concern, where on your list of priorities would you put your happiness? Stop making choices based on how you will look in the eyes of others. That doesn’t matter in the long run. Do something because it’s right for you, today.

Okay, horoscope lady, I get it! I’m going to set the wheels in motion and take this amazing opportunity to do something that I have never done before. And, voila, here I am, officially mobile – tomorrow is my last day of work, all my worldly possessions are safely stored at my sister’s house in Maryland, and I’m ready to set out on my great adventure.