Soon I will begin a new chapter in my life... a mini, six-month chapter, but a chapter nonetheless. I will be taking a hiatus from my (beloved) life in Minneapolis and heading south to Argentina to live, learn, teach and travel. It will be difficult to leave my family, friends, man-friend and job, but I know they will all be here when I return (well, at least the first three will). I realize I am incredibly fortunate to have this opportunity, as well as support from all of the aforementioned groups of people in my life. Living in Buenos Aires is a dream I've had for a long time, and I am still stumbling around the reality that I'm actually doing it.
Speaking of stumbling, I've waivered back and forth, deciding whether this is a cowardly move or a courageous one. Am I just being an irrational youth, putting off the "real world," running way from responsibility? Or am I boldly following my dreams, bravely stepping into the unknown, creating room for growth, trusting myself? Some may vote coward, but I'm going to stick with courage. I vowed as a young girl to live my life with no regrets, and that's what I plan to do.
Living life this way has worked out well for me in the past, and I'm banking on past experiences being the best predictors of future endeavors. In college I was lucky enough to study abroad for two semesters - one in Spain and one in Kenya - and I believe those eight months of my life account for a significant portion of who I am, how I see the world, the way I interact with others, the dreams I have, the way I envision my life unfolding. I grew and I changed, and I will do so again, in ways I know I can't predict, and in ways I may never realize.
I once heard this quote: "The key to a passionate life is to trust and follow the energy within us." It rang true to me, and has stuck with me through my times of self doubt. I can't predict where my life will lead; I can only trust that my soul will not lead me astray.
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Oh, Lia - that post made me tear up! Very profound and inspiring! Of course you aren't a coward - it is scary making big changes in your life and you are embracing opportunities that only come around once in a lifetime. I will never forget my first few days in London and will always look back on those 6 months as some of the best in my life - mostly because I knew I would never regret a moment of taking that adventure.
ReplyDeleteYou will be greatly missed but I will read your blog and continue to be inspired by your bravery and passion!