Last year, I studied abroad and it was the best thing ever to happen to me. I learned so much in such a short amount of time and met people I can forever call my friends. When I first arrived in London although, I was terrified because it was my first time being truly alone without anyone there to comfort me. What I now realize though, is that this was the main reason I fell so in love with the city, because I fell in love with it alone.
I eventually made many friends while being there, but most of the time I would walk around and explore new things by myself. I could take everything in at my own pace and not have to worry about anyone else. It was incredible. Not only was I exploring things and places alone, but I was making memories that would last a lifetime too. In the moment, you don't realize how much a certain place can impact you until you leave and all you have left is the memory of it.
While in London, I did a lot of self-reflecting, something that was long overdue. I learned things about myself that I never knew beforehand and it has continued to affect me a year later. I learned to be more patient and to take in as much as I can of the beauty that surrounds us every day. I learned that it is okay to be by yourself, days at a time because it's good for the soul. Before London, I hated being alone in my thoughts because my mind likes to flood me with every little thing that has ever happened in my life, both good and bad.
I took a part of London back home with me because it was the first place ever to take me out of my comfort zone. I didn't need anyone to hold my hand or lend a shoulder to cry on because I could do all those things myself. I became an independent woman there and I will forever be grateful for that.
This article is not just me reminiscing on my life-changing trip, but a push in the right direction for anyone who needs to get out of their comfort zone. You never really have seen anything if you don't get yourself out of the little bubble some hold themselves in. You need to pop that bubble and travel the world. This doesn't mean you have to go outside of the country. No, just go somewhere you have never been before, whether it be an hour or two away, go there and explore. Another piece of advice is to do more things alone. You can never handle being alone if you never let yourself be alone. Take a walk down the street and look at the beauty that surrounds you. It's incredible what you can find when you just have a little patience.
London has affected me so much that I have made it a goal of mine to live there one day. Not permanently, but for a year or so, so I can once again get out of my comfort zone and explore more of the world. You learn so many things when you are away. The world is our playground, so why don't we go play.
