Hey there! I haven’t blogged in a while as I’ve been too immersed in my experience of living abroad for six months and studying literary journalism at a new university. I spend more time writing in my journal and reading for classes! But, I was inspired to share a lovely video today about gratitude. My wonderful housemate showed me it and it immediately lifted my spirits and made me think about what I’m grateful for; this alone, raised my happiness  levels so high.

I have been the luckiest girl in the world to get a chance to encounter wonderful experiences in a new country. Living away from home hasn’t always been easy but it has challenged me in ways I never imagined. I have learnt simple things like that I can wash my own clothes without them shrinking, and bigger realisations like that I take a bit of home with me wherever I go.

America has allowed me to realise what home is for me and how much I love the green fields of Ireland. It has encouraged me to speak out more in classes and believe in my own capabilities when writing. Without the support of my family and friends, I would be lost. The importance of having people that believe in me on days when I wanted to hop on the next plane home or making close friendships that have welcomed me into a new home was what made this trip special.

I still have another 6 weeks left before I return to Ireland, which makes me excited and also nervous. This experience has moved so fast that I am nervous it will feel like a dream, like it never happened at all; that I will have trouble adjusting to my life at home again. But I am excited to see what happens, as I think something has changed inside of me that has made me appreciate home so much more.

Meeting people from new cultures and travelling to different places has made me learn things about myself. Learn how I communicate with people, notice what places have excited me when travelling and why.

Anyway, this has been a rollercoaster of an experience and it isn’t over yet, But I wanted to write a post about how much I appreciate this opportunity and how grateful I am for all of the wonderful people that I have met or who encouraged me to do it.

Enjoy the video and have a wonderful day 🙂

Over and out,

Saoirse