You are right. You can not go back. The places may remain unchanged but it is you who has grown and changed. I haven't lived in Canada for almost 18 years. I went back to visit my brother a year ago. I visited the area were we had once lived. Nothing had changed much. Eve the people remained somewhat unchanged. But I had changed. When we expose ourselves to different cultures, languages and ideas we become more global citizens than citizens of any one country. We have evolved into something quite different than we were.

I no longer set firm goals. I like the flexibility to change direction if I wish. I could not imagine myself sticking with my former career until I retired. It did not suit where I wanted to be.