Big Lessons: Where I've Been
I looked up today and saw the date. It feels like yesterday I was celebrating with English friends about the reopening of their beer gardens - and now they're hungover.
The world has slowly started to open back up in Europe and it feels like I'm at the beginning of what I've been waiting for. The long game.
When I bought my UK Visa in 2017, it was for two years. The organising and planning of the trip took the best part of 2018, and when I was on that plane to Italy in November - I wondered about the places I'd visit - the people I'd meet.
After landing in Darlington I had no idea how things were meant to go in England. I had one cousin in London, but that was about it. I didn't know anyone there, I didn't know how to get around, how to get a bank account... I basically winged it. I really don't know how I did it.
For the most part of 2018, I spent settling into England and finding my new home, against the grain, up north. Not only did I move away from the crowds of Aussies and Kiwis, but I also pushed against 'just working somewhere'. There were times I thought I should have just taken the low-paying office admin roles in London... at least I could have travelled straight away.
As 2020 began, three trips were planned by March. As they cancelled one by one my panic set in. This was my last year and I was stuck inside. I'd never see France. I missed Oktoberfest. I'd never enjoyed a beer in Budapest. I'd only spent 7 days in Spain.
I wanted to know then that I could try and get some countries visited. My second-year visa has still gone to waste - no refund will be given & no, you can't reapply. Besides, I'm 'old' now (30 this year).
In the last 6 months, I've been to:
Tenerife
Germany
Austria
Romania
Bulgaria
Next week I go to Greece, and then I should hopefully spend the Summer in Croatia.
Every week there's a new plan, and Albania, Turkey and North Macedonia have been planned and thrown away as COVID moves between the countries.
I reflect on this moment and know, way back on the couch in 2020, that this would happen. I had the idea fly past my mind - 'Just do it in 2021. You don't need to have a base country'.
God. Maybe after my 30th birthday, I'll start listening to my manifestations.
I write this blog as I reflect but also encourage you as well.
It is amazing what your universe listens to. What your subconscious knows.
It's right there - you can tap into it anytime. But girl! It takes work.
I sit here half asleep; my phone buzzing next to me. TikTok begs to be open. I want to see how my poll is doing on Instagram. I feel better for writing this, and I thank my body and my mind for taking the time to meditate after my shower for this clarity.
Just stop. And sit. Breathe. A lot. Like - 5 minutes of breathing.
Write everything down in your head. No - it doesn't have to make a whole lot of sense.
If you're like me, write as you speak to a friend. Your online friends still count (hi my loves).
My meditation gave me this and I will pass it on here.
I wish you peace. I wish you health. I wish you happiness.
Until Greece,
Me x
