The fourth life

My parents are Buddhist and believe in reincarnation. At some point in my life I decided I had only one life – and I was a little put out about it. I didn’t really want to believe it but it was the only thing that made sense to me and it still does.

I read a fantastic book called The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August by Claire North, about a man who lives the same life, in the same period of time, again and again. It’s a brilliant book that explores the paths one can make when you have another chance, and then another chance.

In a little over a month, Andrew and I are leaving our office jobs in Cape Town and driving to Ethiopia. This road trip is more than a travel adventure; it’s a new life. In my one life, I am cramming as many lives that’ll fit without bursting. My past lives included living as a student, as an office dweller and as a backpacker. Now I live for nature on tap, slowing down and the beauty that is simplicity.

It’s Chinese New Year tomorrow and to the astrologers it’s the year of the goat (or the sheep). For me, it’s the year of the Phoenix.