There is a moment in all of our lives when we realize that things are not going as planned … that there is a significant gap between what we thought our life was going to be and how it’s actually shaping up.
I didn’t think I would get to a point in my life where I could actually say this: I’m happy. I don’t know how long this happiness will last, but for the first time in a long time, I’m finally in a good place and I worked really, really hard to get here.
Australia has been nothing short of amazing. My intention was to spend four days here but it’s already been three weeks. I’ve met some wonderful people at the hostel. The staff who work here are very friendly, down to earth, and love to crack jokes all the time. The other back packers (most of them) are very easy going and it’s been fun spending time together. Even if these friendships don’t last outside of Australia, they’ve made a permanent mark on my experience here.
Skydiving in Australia was unreal. I was terrified to jump out of the plane, but I didn’t have a choice since I went tandem and the it’s the instructor who makes the decision as to when you leap. The view of Sydney at 14,000 feet is truly breathtaking.
I recently discovered that things tend to move quickly when you’re living abroad. Last week I met the manager of a bar/cafe that’s right next to the hostel and we’ve seen each other nearly every night since then. I wasn’t looking for anyone, but then I suddenly found someone. I’ve met a lot of men since traveling abroad. I’ve been hit on more in Australia than I have my entire life, but I couldn’t justify dating someone while I’m traveling knowing that it wouldn’t last for more than a week. But there’s something about this guy. He’s not like any other man I’ve dated. And I didn’t think I could find someone who would make me want to stay in one country for this long.
I started this journey to break away from an unhappy life in the States. Being abroad for this long and having the chance to meet so many people and see so many interesting places has really opened my heart up to how wonderful life can truly be. But you have to allow yourself to take a chance. You have to believe in something bigger than yourself and you have to have the passion and desire to find a life that’s worth living.
For now, I’ve found happiness in Australia. I found a city I love, people who have made a significant mark on my life, and I’m discovering a way to fill in the cracks of my broken and damaged life every day.
I didn’t think I’d ever get here but boy, does it feel so good.
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