I am given the wonderful opportunity every other week to write to you all about something to be mindful of during the week. Yet lately, I feel like I have been in quite the rut. I am living in a different country, traveling every weekend and meeting new people from all over the world. So why is it that finding inspiration and writing to you all about it has been so hard for me?
I feel as if my brain cannot comprehend all of the places and people I get to see and meet. Sometimes I feel like I am watching my life through a television screen. Then something happened. Just earlier this week living in Florence started to seem more real to me. It was random how these events fell in to place but I would like everyone to try and be mindful of what I am going to say this week.
First of all, my mission when I came to Europe was to pretty much be Julia Roberts in Eat Pray Love, except I would play myself. I have always been a bit dependent on others, a people pleaser. Therefore, I thought Europe would be exactly what I needed. It would be a place I could start over and find myself. No one in my fashion school really knew me so I did not have the ego I use to have in high school where I use to act a certain way to fit in.
Reality really hit me when I had to make a decision for myself on the topic of values and relationships. I came on this trip with no intention of wanting a relationship. Then I met someone who is incredible. The details of him are not important. What is important that he is a great guy who had values I did not agree with. So for me, it was very empowering when I stood up for myself. I explained to him that a relationship as boyfriend and girlfriend would not work, but I would love to stay friends. (I know firsthand that being told this sucks but maybe we need to realize that being told this leaves room for the one we are meant to be with). Who would of thought that out of everything I have seen and done that this event gave me the most inspiration and a reality check.
What I hope everyone takes out of my minuscule life event is that you should never settle or forget your values to make something work. The things you have dreamed and hoped for will most definitely come true if you make an effort to make them happen. Sometimes it is okay to be selfish when it comes to your best interest at heart. Believe me when I say that this was a tough lesson for me. First and foremost, I had to be completely honest and open to someone I barely knew. Secondly, I was really stepping out of my comfort zone. It may sound easy to some to always say how you feel, but for those who struggle, you are not alone.
It may not be the most important decision of my life, but it truly has empowered me to be more independent and go after what I want. There is a great song lyric by Mumford and Sons that says, “Where you invest your love, you invest your life”. So today and everyday, choose to value yourself in the most humbling way. I believe that good things come to those who learn to love themselves.
Ciao belli! (Goodbye beautiful people)