I have a tendency to get overwhelmed by the prospect of new experiences because of their unpredictable nature. If I know what’s going to happen then I can prepare myself to maintain some level of control over a given situation. If I don’t, I catastrophize. I had a similar mindset during the months leading up to this trip. It sounded great on paper, but what was the reality of it? Rather than focusing on the time I had left at home, I worried about what things would be like once I got to Dublin.
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned since being here is to enjoy the moment while you’re living it. Life is far too short to be concerned with where your next step might take you. Growing up, my best friends mom had this saying: “Be where your feet are”. My best friend and I used to poke fun at her when she’d say it to us because, in our minds, obviously we had to be wherever our feet were. Now, though, I see this mantra in a new light. Being where your feet are means something. It means be present. Be engaged. Find joy. Appreciate what’s right in front of you while it’s still there in front of you. Don’t allow thoughts from the past or promises of the future take away from what you’ve been brought to experience in a given moment.
In light of this revelation, I’ve decided that my blog post this week will serve as a reflection. I want to dedicate it to all the moments since we’ve been here that I felt fully present in. Though I may not remember every conversation I had or every sight I saw, I will never forget the joy I felt.
In addition to this dedication, I want to thank all the wonderful people who have been by my side during it all. I love you guys. I still am trying to wrap my head around the fact that we had to travel across the world to discover one another. My mind, heart, and soul are eternally grateful for the memories, love, and friendships we share. Dublin will stay with me forever. That, I have no doubt.
Beautiful views from this week!