After 23 years spent wandering this earth and building relationships with some pretty beautiful individuals, I’ve discovered a really important aspect of myself – I become the absolute best version of myself when I’m pushed outside of my comfort zone. That’s not to say I was perfect or even close to perfect during my time in Guatemala, but I did things I wouldn’t have dreamt of and took chances & risks I would never have taken stateside. That’s the beauty of living abroad – everyday you wake up out of your comfort zone, with a whole set of problems & challenges that you would never have encountered if you hadn’t ventured into unknown territory. You become an independent thinker, innovative & adaptable. Personal growth hits you like you wouldn’t believe, and it’s a taste of freedom that once it ends, you feel like you’ve lost a little piece of yourself. That’s where I am today, trying to find challenges and opportunities that make me feel as alive as living abroad makes me feel. Something profound was shared during my weeklong stint in Nicaragua. At the end of the workweek I attended a reflection led by one of the staff members of the organization I worked with. He said that wherever you wake up Monday morning is just as important as how you spent your whole week here [in Nicaragua]. |
I knew that would be my biggest challenge moving back home for a month. I’d be back to the seemingly mundane, without any language barriers to tackle or construction projects to help with. It’s easy to slip into routine and forget about what it means to live an extraordinary life. Sometimes I forget that you don’t have to visit breathtaking places daily or conquer crazy hikes to lead a fulfilling life. But you do have to put in the effort to see the beauty surrounding you, and encourage others to do the same. So I’m not climbing any volcanoes today, but I did have lunch with my grandpa. It seems ordinary, and that’s because it is. We don’t have to make huge waves every day, yet we should challenge ourselves to find beauty and meaning even in the simplest moments. If you spend your whole life waiting until you have enough money to take that big trip or go on that adventure you’ve been daydreaming about, you’ll close your eyes and your heart to the simplest pleasures around you. We have to stop living our lives in hope of what the future may or may not bring, and start living in the present. Someone once said, when you look around, this life is pretty amazing. That’s exactly the point. We need to open our eyes to what is right before us, and if we don’t like what we see or where we’re at, maybe it’s time to make some changes. So whether you’re chasing sunsets with a friend, exploring natural wonders, or seeking out a new coffee shop, remember your day-to-day is only going to be as extraordinary as you make it.
8 Comments
Christine Krehmeyer
8/9/2015 04:15:41 am
You were a sweet young lady when you left. I was so nervous for you. Thanks fo allowing me to follow you on this journey! You have come to do and see things that I can only imagine doing. So proud to know you. You're now an extraordinary woman!
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Alex
8/10/2015 02:08:46 pm
Christine, thank you so much for your continuous love & support and for keeping up with my blog. I leave for Maine tomorrow with my dad. I'll always come home for holidays so I hope I get to see you next time I'm in town. love you and miss you!
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Brad Adams
8/9/2015 06:40:53 am
My sentiments exactly. Well written words that was a great reminder that every new day is a blessing from God and that we need to look at it as a gift and make a difference in the world each day. I enjoy getting to follow your adventures. Thanks for sharing.
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Alex
8/10/2015 02:09:53 pm
Hi Brad,
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Denise
8/9/2015 11:50:22 am
Thank you for the reminder to enjoy every day and seek opportunities for adventure
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Alex
8/10/2015 02:10:58 pm
Glad you liked this one, Denise! If you're looking for your next adventure - there's always space for you to come visit me in Maine :)
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Mariann
8/10/2015 08:54:11 am
OMG Alex,
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Alex
8/10/2015 02:11:59 pm
Ah Mariann, you are too sweet. I would love to find a new coffee shop together. I'll be back in town for holidays so I hope I get to see you next time I'm in town. Until then - take care and feel free to email or write me any time! I miss you and hope all is well
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Alexandra RoseTravel enthusiast. Lover of Yellowstone, coffee, and a good book. Passionately curious. Hopeful wanderer. Archives
August 2015
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