As I finished packing the last of my things and moved them to storage, frantically cleaned my bedroom one final time and loaded my car, I became acutely aware that I was actually leaving Denver, CO. My friends and I’d talked about my year in Spain so frequently that I had said many goodbyes these past few months; I’d also known that I would leave Denver a few weeks before my trip to Logroño, Spain in order to spend time with my family in Dallas, Texas. Despite all of this, I’d managed to ignore the fact that, once the last of my things were packed, I would not be back in Denver for quite a while and was stepping out into an adventure that would put me in a constant state of transition.

It has been tough to say goodbye to so many memories and my routine – get-togethers with friends or family, animated Sunday brunches, hikes, runs at a nearby park and boxing classes with lively friends. I have made so many strong friendships, met long-lost family and tackled more challenges than even I could imagine. At the beginning of August, I completed my 2^nd half marathon – at 7500 feet no less! Though mentally and physically tough, I managed to get out of my running mindset every now and again to appreciate the amazing views of the Rocky Mountains that surrounded me and still finish under my time goal. Throughout the run, I kept thinking of my family, friends and gym instructors who had motivated me to sign up and do my best. I would not have been able to finish without their advice and encouragement; their words kept me pushing through each mile. I have finally managed to begin developing some of the traits that I have long admired in others and embrace being outside of my comfort zone. I have felt so much at ease in Denver that this new journey is a little daunting. Despite my nervousness, I am pushed forward by all the positive reactions from my friends and new acquaintances – their positive thinking and constant support.

Within the safe boundaries of my home I have a hard time living in the moment and being spontaneous. There is something different about me when I travel, whether going on a long vacation, traveling for work, or taking a quick weekend trip, the moment I leave my established routine, I no longer feel bound to my usual habits. I feel like I can indulge, do something out of the norm and really appreciate the days or hours I have dedicated to my trip. I catch myself living in the moment – at least for a short while. Having spent a lot of time traveling these past couple of years, I’ve slowly learned to embrace transition and change. I just hope it will be enough to keep me going this next year.

A month or so before my Denver departure, I was prompted to spend a beautiful (and absurdly early) morning meditating while watching the sun rise at Red Rocks Amphitheater. That morning, as I saw the sun get higher and brighter in the sky, I could not help but feel sad that I had not taken the time to do that before in Denver (or anywhere really). Incited by this, I managed two more sunrise meditations in Denver, watched the sun set while descending Pikes Peak and, in recent weeks, taken a few moments during my morning run to admire the sun rise over the Dallas skyline. Though rough to get up that early in the morning (yet necessary for any summer run in Dallas, unless you like the idea of dehydration and heat exhaustion), the views have been worth it and I know a few more sunrise/sunset meditations in Spain and Europe are on my bucket list.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I’m grateful for these past three weeks in Texas – in Dallas with my immediate and extended family and a few days in Houston with great friends. I know that I will miss my family fiercely but happy for our time together. This intermediary period before my trip has given me time to regroup and remind me that the person I am today has been shaped by countless moments, both good and bad, and that I would not change anything about it. As I repack my suitcases for my trip tomorrow (and pray I do not forget any of the important things), I am making sure to take with me a few pictures, snapshots of moments frozen in time, to remind me to enjoy this new transition. I know that there is there is little I can do to prepare for this next year, but am excited for my future self to embrace every moment.