By middle age, I, too, was a prisoner for life. Sixty hours a week in a windowless office, I slaved at dull work to pay my bills. Perusing a nature magazine, I was mesmerized by one photo. Dazzling blue feet. Beak and tail pointed skyward.
Wings spread wide.
I took leave from work, maxed my credit card and, a week later, was 600 miles west of Ecuador. Last wild place on earth where people and animals can face each other without fear. Eye to eye with birds, sea lions, iguanas, crabs and tortoises, I admired their ability to lead joyful lives despite daily survival challenges. Inspired by what I saw, I returned home empowered. I quit my dull job to become a writer and teacher.