Claiming Your Space in the World

Came across this quote the other day and thought it quite apt for any creative, moving in new directions and leaving their old lives behind. My late Babushka used to adore Jack London so this has special meaning for me. She also knew only to well the true essence of these wise words when she, my grandfather and my mother left their home and possessions in Russia during World War II to head to Poland and then to Germany – destination Switzerland – to eventually to find a new life in Australia.

When a man journeys into a far country, he must be
prepared to forget many of the things he has learned, and
to acquire such customs that are inherent with existence
in the new land; he must abandon the old ideals and the
old gods, and oftentimes he must reverse the very codes
by which his conduct has hitherto been shaped.

Jack London, "In a Far Country”

Sigh. Lest we forget.