overtype

I took these pictures somewhere between Germany and Austria, in July 2007.

To say that our European Excursion went without a snag, would be a gross lie. We were six 20 and 21-year-old girls; most of us had never been overseas, especially for a month. After travel snafus, personality clashes, poor budgeting on some parts, and just generally, stress galore, we were ready to go home by the third week. We knew we would regret those feelings of homesickness. And we sure do.

There were parts of the trip where I felt so alive. These photos; these photos combined with Kings of Leon’s current single, “Fans,” just took me to an indescribable place. One thing I can put into words, is that it helped me to stop and appreciate all the beauty around me. All the excitement and adventure I was drowning out by missing my friends and family and California.

I find myself looking back on this point because I think I am similarly taking my day to day life for granted. I’ll be the first to admit I am in some ways a dreamer, always looking forward to the future, saying “I can’t wait until…” or even putting things off for the future. I often times get overwhelmed or lose focus or ambition. I miss a lot of times, a lot of people, a lot of places. Especially around this time, when it’s been nearly a year since my college graduation and five years since high school graduation.

I think life is all about balance. “Everything in moderation.” We’re all searching for this golden ratio. How do we enjoy the moment while being mindful of our future?