Hello USA…I’m back  (Actually been back for almost 2 weeks but finally getting a sec to get this blog post live)

5 weeks frolicking around Europe. My wallet is lighter, my picture-editing queue is long, my body is physically and mentally exhausted, I’m also quite tan (except on my stomach—so basically I’m a patchy mess of different colors), but my soul is happy and refreshed.

The truth is I was going through a bit of a rough patch before I left for my European adventure. Sometimes the expectations for life are overwhelming. So much so, you forget to relish in all that’s real around you. You forget to take stock in all the amazing pieces, moments, and humans that form your life. Some days my anxiety has been so intense I’ve struggled to even get out of bed. Days where I feel as though I’m drowning in responsibility. Tuned out to all the highs that life has in store.

So what’s my truth?

Europe was exactly what I needed. There may have been a few days I desired extra sleep, but everyday I got up and dealt with life. Some days were even quite trying. Traveling is not always fun, and I had plenty of those moments. Moments where you can’t understand the languages or customs, moments you’re hopping around trying to figure out the transit, moments spent carrying a huge backpack up and down stairs and on cobblestone streets, moments  where you buy the wrong ticket and the German transit authority doesn’t give two fucks and makes you pay a 60 euro fine, moments where you miss your puppy dog and long for the comfort and familiarity of your own bed, moments where you spend 20 minutes simply trying to open your airbnb door.
Traveling can be tough. But…it always breathes new life into my soul, and I’m feeling renewed.

I’ve needed all the clarity I’ve gotten this trip. A reminder to still live and that my anxiety is fleeting. That lonely feeling that sometimes seems to strangle me from with in (the product of spending most of my working days alone and coming home to an empty house) does not define me. In fact my life is great, my life is fulfilling, my life is full of so many wonderful people, opportunities, and love.

Things I’ve learned about myself…

• I need a nespresso machine ASAP
• I love flamenco
• Sparkling water is better than I remember from 10 years ago.
• I love my dog. Seriously she is the best and it’s hard to go 5 weeks with out that furry face.
• Champagne is still my favorite but Tintos de Verano is a close second.
• I struggle with the art of simply “being” and simultaneously need more of that in my life.
• I’m extremely independent and self-sufficient and yet rely a little too much on technology.
• Port wine is yum but should be approached with caution.
• I love taking pictures and think random photo shoots are a necessary part of travel.
• Food is the best and trying new dishes or flavors is one of my favorite activities.

So to wrap this rambling up…My life is great. A little perspective is all one needs to get a refresh, and my perspective often comes when I travel. I’m ready to get back to the grind of “real life” but my heart is still wandering around the lavender fields, eating fresh seafood, hiking up mountains, and having all the adventures. World I will see more of you soon. Until next time.

P.S. Be prepared for so many pictures and blog posts to come.