Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Getting Sentimental: Lessons Abroad

I don't know exactly where to begin in summing up my incredible semester. Bags were packed, vans were loaded and I watched as my friends who taught me so much about the world and about myself drove away to catch international planes. To say that I have achieved everything I wanted to over the last four months would be an incredible understatement solely because I have accomplished things I didn't even know I wanted to accomplish, things I couldn't even imagine accomplishing! I can't put all my thoughts into words nor can I explain all the ways I have changed and grown but I am so happy with who I have become and am so full of a love and thirst for life.

Here are some of my greatest lessons;


I have had so much fun this semester finding myself and learning what things I want and need without being influenced by parents, friends or hometown habits.


In the last four months I have been focusing on what I am meant to do in life. I know I must incorporate creativity into every day life and take unconventional routes. No one should take life too seriously! I have to do what makes me happy not what is easiest or most rational.





Everyone always says, "Someday I'd like to..." they always put traveling or other goals off because life gets in the way and I COMPLETELY understand that but I also believe that if you want something you make it a priority. There will always be things that come up but if you put things in the back of your mind they'll stay there. You have to start MAKING things happen. Start doing things today not someday.


Everyone is afraid to try new things. Failing is our biggest fear, but what would you try if you knew you wouldn't fail? I have learned that the real adventures begin when you are put in situations that are outside that little bubble we close ourselves in. To roll up the shutters and see the world with new eyes is the most enlightening experience


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I can't believe I ever doubted how strong I really am. I have exceeded all the limits I thought I had.


I have learned to choose friends wisely. After all, decide who I let into my life.



I am so incredibly grateful for my parents and family who are so supportive of my dreams. I love my parents and family so much and am so grateful and appreciative for everything they have given me.



I have to start being myself  despite who is watching.



 More than anything I have learned that in order to be happy in life I need to continue traveling. It is a part of who I am, it's what I must do.

 How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.

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