I don't think I've ever been more ready for a new life than I am now. Working overtime and saving up to take a year off to travel can do horrible things to a person's social life.

For the past year, I've lived by the philosophy of “buying time.” The logic behind this was simple – give a year to get a year. So, I worked non-stop on weeknights and through the weekends. Trust me, this wasn't easy and at times, it was downright depressing.

I had to constantly remind myself that the grand adventures to come would soon deliver profound redemption for all this hard work and solitude.

Here's hoping that the new life I find on the road will be both rewarding and inspiring.