I've been home now for a little over a week and through all the holiday festivities I've managed to find some time to reflect upon my last four months abroad. Flipping through my journal from this past year proves my life has been really confusing, comical, awkward, daring, humbling and entertaining. Adjectives that sum up a lot of feelings associated with the transition into adulthood and the journey into the person I want to be. Journaling and trying to keep up this blog is something I've enjoyed doing; I really cherish these documentations now as I look back and reflect on my experiences.
Making the decision to study abroad was probably the scariest thing I've done. I had so many melt downs and doubts about my decision. Looking back on all the little things I worried about seems so silly and small now. Everything works out the way it's suppose to, plans change, life is messy and the unknown is hard; but life so incredibly amazing and well worth the (sometimes bumpy) ride. Throughout my trip, I noticed a lot subtle reminders that assured me this is where I'm suppose to be. There is still so much to be learned and so much to be experienced that I can't be too sad my study abroad is over... just an amazing moment in time I will hold close to my heart forever.
Travel has made me curious, and inspired, something I hope to keep with me forever. These are some of my favorite photos I took, each tied with happy memories of beautiful places.
Växjö, Sweden
Copenhagen, Denmark
Zadar, Croatia
Växjö, Sweden
Tallin, Estonia
Copenhagen, Denmark
Växjö, Sweden
Växjö, Sweden
Gdansk, Poland
Kalmar, Sweden
Växjö, Sweden
Växjö, Sweden
Zadar, Croatia
Helsinki, Finland
Helsinki, Finland
Reykjavik, Iceland
Helsinki, Finland
Växjö, Sweden
Transitioning into my life back home has been good and busy, filled with a lot of family and friend hang outs. It's nice to feel comfortable and to know familiar surroundings. Being away for awhile, you pick up on things you didn't notice before and grow an appreciation for the smallest of things. Gaining new perspectives hasn't stopped since I left Europe and I'm probably going to be doing a lot of contemplating while back in SoDak. I've loved sharing bits of my life abroad and want to continue documenting some thoughts and experiences here. For 2015, one of my goals is to write more and I think this is the perfect platform... while on the topic of goals for the new year, I have a few more I want to incorporate into my day to day that I've adopted from what I've learned abroad...
Cook more, put myself in new (uncomfortable) situations, FIKA, FIKA, FIKA, read more books, live with less stuff, eat Tacos on Fridays ;), worry less, learn from others and keep possibilities open, try new things often, keep making lists, slow down and enjoy the journey!
Sad to say goodbye to 2014; a year full of growth and wonderful experiences, but I have a really good feeling about 2015! Thanks for following along!
hanna
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