From London to Louisiana

Hi hi it’s been a minute! I haven’t done the best job at writing down everything lately like I usually do, but I do want to try and articulate my thoughts and feelings. There’s so much of this year that I want to remember. 

I’ve never felt so relaxed and stress-free in my life, and I doubt there will ever be another time in my life where I get to feel this way. The year-long break from reality has been such a privilege, and I’ll forever be grateful for it. I enjoy the stillness, but maybe that’s because I know it’s temporary. I usually thrive with a packed schedule and an insane amount of responsibilities to keep me busy, and this time in London has been a complete 180 from that. 

I feel as if this year has given me an insane amount of faith in myself. I trust my gut wholeheartedly and know I’ll 100% back whatever decision I make. I enjoy my own company, and being alone is no longer daunting; whether I’m thinking about the small-scale of spending a day exploring the city by myself, or the large-scale of moving to a new place alone.

I have about two months left in London before I move to Louisiana to attend LSU Law! I got a full scholarship and found out while I was sitting alone at a bar in Marylebone. I cried a little (of course) and listened to “Calling Baton Rouge” the entire tube ride home. 

As much as public transportation gives me a headache sometimes, I’ll really miss it. I have so much time to read. I’m currently on my 33rd book of the year. I’m reading everything from fantasy to memoirs to modern classics. I don’t think I’ll ever make it all the way though my ever-growing TBR list, but it’s been nice to put a large dent in it. Makes me feel like a kid again. 

I’ve started working out consistently for the first time in my life. I realized working out is actually fun when you’re not insanely busy and stressed, imagine that! I’m definitely the healthiest I’ve ever been between Barry’s Bootcamp, walking everywhere, and eating home cooked meals every night. 

My host family feel like my real family. I’m already dreading saying goodbye to them. They welcomed me into their home, trust me with their son, want me to have fun and enjoy my time in London. The Mackays have made this experience for me and I doubt I’ll ever shut up about how cool they are. 

The world is wide and there is so much to see! I’ve been to places I never dreamed of seeing. I had never heard of Malta until my friends and I were planning a trip. I’m going to Croatia in a couple days! I went on a roadtrip through Scotland and stayed in hostels. I’ve visited friends and made new ones that I’ll visit again one day. 

I always joke when I’m in a new place that, “places like this exist and I was born in Southeast Texas.” But! This experience has made me appreciate home. This year has been about growing and adapting and learning, which is a little exhausting! I’m excited to spend the next era of my life somewhere that, while still new, will have the comforts and familiarities of home. 

I think those are all of my updates for now. I’m sure I’ll find more words eventually, but for now I’m going to enjoy my London summer and last few months before I return to reality. Love you byeeeeee