Surf, Skye and a dream (Bondi Rescue)

A new beginning

*ding dong*
'Attention all passengers, we will shortly be landing at Sydney airport so please return to your seats if you are not currently seated and fasten your seatbelts in preparation for our descent. Thank you and we hope you have enjoyed flying with us'

I sighed deeply. Enjoyment wasn't the word that sprang to mind when I thought about this flight. My anxiety had been on overdrive and needless to say, the panic attacks that resulted were not fun. Still, it was nearly over. Soon I would be in a whole new country starting a whole new life. I just hoped that it was a little better than the broken tatters of a life that I had left in England.

My mind drifted to thoughts of the horrid months that I had just experienced. It was for sure the worst period in my life. I'd had a terrible, painful breakup which was filled with lies and deceit and was definitely in need of a change. But the 'change' I thought of whilst sitting in my car crying over lost love was definitely not as dramatic as this. A new flat, a holiday and maybe even a puppy were all in my thoughts; not a brand new life on the other side of the world. I took a sharp breath, what was I doing? Was I being too dramatic? How could I be this stupid?

I shut my eyes tightly trying to ignore the anxiety that was trying to eat away my confidence. I'd come this far, there was no point turning my back on this amazing opportunity.

Suddenly, my ears popped and I felt the plane skim the Tarmac smoothly. We were landing. Outside, the sun was just beginning to rise and the sky was littered with streaks of orange, pink and red. I stared intently at the beautiful colours in an attempt to distract myself from the anxiety. I had always used nature to try and ground myself. For me, nature was a way to escape. I loved to be outdoors and the beach was my favourite place. I started swimming when I was a toddler and that quickly evolved into surfing. From there, my passion of the beach grew and at 16 I became a lifeguard. I loved every second lifeguarding and I hoped more than anything that I'd be able to continue with it in Australia.

'Attention all passengers, you may now disembark the plane, please head towards the baggage pickup point situated inside the building to the right. We hope you have enjoyed your flight'

The sudden chaos of scrabbling, standing and stretching all around me pulled me from my daydream and I wearily gathered my things before stuffing them into my bag and standing up. As I stood at the top of the steps, I took in my surroundings. This was the start of a whole new chapter...