Six weeks ago, I boarded a plane, flew nine hours across the Atlantic, and stepped off into the Emerald Isle. It was as shimmering green as the pictures and equally as cloudy as the weather report. Regardless, the blood still rushed through my veins as I was about to begin the adventure of a lifetime.
To be totally honest, besides the rolling green hills of the countryside and the more-often-than-not dreary sky, I wasn't quite sure what to expect from this tiny European island. But the things I learned from this glorious, exquisite, little nation by the end of those six weeks proved I not only picked the perfect place to travel to, but I also picked the perfect place to transform and grow in every aspect of my life.
Here are five lessons I learned during my six weeks in Ireland that changed the way I not only look at life but the way I live it, too.
1. Don't Rush Through Life
Jessica Schmidt
Ever heard of "running on Irish time?" Well, it's not a joke. Irish people truly do take their time - from meeting you when they say they will to serving you your food at a restaurant, no one ever seems to be in a huge rush. Admittedly, it was slightly irritating as an American, making me naturally impatient and overly concerned about how fast I can reach a destination. Oh, and if I'll get there "on-time!" But after a couple of weeks, I started to embrace this way of life here and there. There really is no point to constantly rush - you miss everything that comes at the moment! The laughter, the camaraderie, the memories! Even though back in the States I will show up to gathering when they start and expect my food to come much faster at restaurants, the Irish really did get it right by not rushing through life as a whole and living in the present - it's about time to sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride!
2. Appreciate The Natural Beauty Around You
Jessica Schmidt
Yes, there is natural beauty everywhere. Especially where I'm from, surrounded by expansive beaches and wildlife-filled swamps. However, it wasn't until I breathed the clear, crisp air of the Wicklow Mountains, listened to the calming crash of a waterfall mere feet from its base, and looked out at the rolling green hills of the famed Irish countryside, did I finally appreciate the natural beauty around me in a way my heart had never felt before. The landscape and my closeness to it was like something from a fairytale - something I had never experienced. It was absolutely beautiful, and now I can't help but look at a tree and be awestruck. God's gift of His beautiful creation should never be taken for granted.
3. Don't Take Yourself So Seriously
Jessica Schmidt
If there's one thing the Irish people do, it's joke around. Their humor is much more advanced than 99% of Americans, I can guarantee that. Sometimes it got to the point where it made my eyebrows raise, but eventually, I learned the importance of a good laugh, too. I'm pretty sure that's why the Irish refer to the fun as "craic," because no other word can describe their special, carefree, joking kind of fun! Ireland taught me life is too short to always be so serious!
4. The Simplest Things In Life Are Simply The Best Things
Jessica Schmidt
I think it's obvious by what you've read so far that my time in Ireland taught me to how to live freer, happier, and with more thankfulness than before I crossed the big blue pond. This fourth lesson really goes hand-in-hand with that entire lifestyle change. In Ireland, people really do appreciate the simple things. The best craic is simply grabbing a pint in the nearest pub and having some good laughs with friends. Ireland is not a country of over-extravagance; it's greatest beauty is its simplicity. Why be over-the-top when simple is so easy, yet still so fun?
5. Find Peace In Life And With Life
Jessica Schmidt
Ireland sounds pretty peaceful, huh? It wasn't until I started exploring this country that I subconsciously began a journey to find peace in my hectic heart. And let me tell you, once I found it, I couldn't give it up. During my six weeks, I was consumed with so much peace I almost didn't recognize myself or my life while I was experiencing it. It's just so easy in a country like Ireland to be filled with peace, that you can't help but also learn to have peace with your own self, your own life. The final lesson my time in Ireland taught me was to not only let yourself be consumed by peace (through embracing life's moments, the natural beauty around you, a good laugh, or simple fun) but to also find peace within yourself. Because your life will be nothing but grand if you just take a deep breath and relax, like the Irish!