Present

I often find myself spending a lot of time in deep reflection but the past couple of months have made it hard to do so. With so much newness and travel, I have been absorbed in the present, taking in everything this magnificent world has to offer. And honestly, it’s been so fucking nice.

I’ve shared unforgettable experiences with some of my closest friends, and swum with whale sharks in the beautiful reefs of Exmouth. I’ve met fellow travellers from all around the world, each with tales of faraway places I haven’t the slightest clue about. I’ve eaten new foods and been fortunate enough to glimpse other local cultures and their ways of life.

I’ve explored rural Vietnam on the backs of strangers’ motorbikes, and trekked through the rice fields of Sapa in torrential rain with mud thicker than I have ever seen. I have scarred pieces of my skin and farewelled items of clothing on my journey, but in return I have gained so, so much. It’s humbling, and it’s inspiring.

A few months ago, I decided that I would spend half of next year making my way through Europe and South America. Never have I been more sure of that decision. Though it means I will have to make some sacrifices in the meantime, the end goal is worth it. This will be the opportunity of a lifetime and I can’t wait to see these plans come to fruition.

I am constantly reminded of how lucky I am to be able to live life in the way I have always dreamed of and I am so grateful for all the beautiful people around me. I really do believe that when you put out good into the world, life rewards you. So I try my best to be kind whenever I can.

But sometimes that means letting go of people in order to honour yourself and what’s best for you. You might unwillingly hurt others along the way but there’s only so much burden we each can take on. I have had to say goodbye to Ryan as we weren’t ready for the same things. I’m sad that it had to come to this, but being friends really wasn’t an option. I hope he knows how lovely a man he was and I am so grateful to have known him, even if only for a short period.

I sit in yet another airport gate as I write this, watching planes descend upon the tarmac. And I’m ready for more.