Traveling the world can lend you experience, happiness, and a deep lust for all things new and exciting. When you open yourself up to these experiences, you find yourself reveling in the cultural differences. Subconsciously adopting some lifestyle choices that you are surrounded by is a very beautiful side effect of actually "seeing" the world. While studying abroad, in London and Oxford, with only one other European experience under my belt, I found that some habits I encountered were worth emulating in my daily life. Those habits that work in tandem with one another are: to walk more, to always have patience, and to cherish life.

Here's why they matter to me!

Walking

We can become so busy from day to day that we miss some of the most important revelations in life. You miss the rich history, the beckoning of beautiful old buildings, and the lessons of life being taught by the average Joe next to you on the street. Walking can connect you with the atmosphere you tend to ignore every day. Walking forces you to slow your feet as well as your mind. Taking a cab or even a bus can be an obstacle when trying to experience life. Life is not about shortcuts; life is about strapping on your shoes and doing the work. Life must be treated as you would treat an old friend, with love and respect. Therefore, why not take your time? Walking also drives you to a contented silence where you can connect with yourself on a personal level. Slowing down and really taking the time to bask in the world outside yourself can then cause a surprising inward reflection. Why not take the time to explore the things around you that lead to defining the "you" that you are? You are the product of where you come from and where you are in the world, so get to know yourself. Obviously walking can keep you in shape, but it ultimately feeds the soul and that is the greatest reward. So next time you are rushing through your daily routine, try to clear your mine and slow things down a bit. You never know what you'll experience!

Patience

Like walking and taking it slow, patience aids your search for a joyful life. Patience is a virtue and rightly so; it takes plenty of practice. When walking down a busy street we let ourselves get ahead of the present. We forget where we are and we place ourselves on a continuous path from point A to point B. When we find ourselves being caught up or pulled off the tracks, we become impatient, and impatience is not a exclusive emotion. Impatience targets everyone and everything. Without patience, you cannot hope to find satisfaction because impatience is always hungry. You cannot expect to be satisfied with everything in life. When you hit a wall, you have to stop, breathe, and push forward. If you're caught between someone that doesn't speak a common tongue and someone who is quick to anger on the Underground in London, find the patience to see the light side of the situation. You are in a beautiful country and learning the most beautiful things. Have the patience to assess where you are and have the patience to realize you are truly blessed. It can be used to soothe the daily stress that builds up and the frustration that knocks at your door. Life should be a series of exciting episodes, not nonstop ballads of negativity.

Cherishing

Being in Europe was a serious adjustment to the type of lifestyle that I come from. Taking the Underground, riding double decker buses, following confusing maps, and nervously asking for directions are unparalleled experiences. I felt thrust into the unknown, but what I came to realize was that with my curiosity and determination I was able to set aside my fears and explore breathtaking places like a true Londoner. While walking around and being patient with my foreign surroundings, I was able to discover a new level of appreciation. I strongly cherish the moments that I have had while studying abroad. Discovering new places, people, and culture is worth more than a pocket full of pounds (£). Of course I took photos like the obnoxious tourist that I was, but for a large portion of my trip I was able to put down my phone and look around. There was a whole other world that existed before me; one with the best Earl Grey tea and scones, as well as the most famous pubs that housed the most famous writers. The world has more to offer than a good wifi signal. So cherish every second that you have. Even the moments that don't seem too good in the present could one day be some of your fondest memories. For instance, losing a wheel on your suitcase in the tube and then hiking a couple of blocks to the bus station while dragging 50 pounds of deadweight behind you. It was fairly annoying and incredibly inconvenient, but I wouldn't trade that memory for the world. I will always cherish moments big or small, because life without the good and the bad is a boring life. Take the time to do what you love, enjoy everything, take life as it comes, and cherish it.

With these three habits that I have adapted to my life, I feel as if I am getting the most out of my time. These habits don't have to be experienced in a foreign place. They can have just as much significance at home. All of these habits coincide with one another in order to truly see the beauty around you. I find life much sweeter with a good walk, a little patience, and the awareness of the cherishable moments in life. So sip your pint slow and savor every bite of your fish and chips because one day you'll want to look back and remember exactly what it tastes like.