There are some things you can’t see from your backyard.

Anyone who knows me knows I have been on a self love/ happiness journey lately. I have stopped investing any time in things that I do not truly love or cause me stress in any way. In return, I have started to take more time to appreciate the small things. I’ve taken a step back from things that controlled me and have begun jumping into opportunities without thinking twice.
This summer I was offered a well paying full time job which I turned down. Without knowing what was in store I decided to travel, rather than work, simply because it felt right. I packed my bags and flew from Toronto to Beijing where I then made my way to the south of China to Guangzhou and into Hong Kong. China is one country I never pictured myself going… but am so happy I did. I have had the pleasure of teaching English as a second language this past month to a group of outstanding students with a passion for learning. I have pushed my limits, adapted to a huge culture shock, tried new things, met new people and let my heart tell me what was right. It hasn’t always been easy but this experience has taught me and challenged me more than expected. With many hikes, planes, trains, busses, tattoos, and countless laughs behind me; I prepare to leave this beautiful country this week.


BUT that isn’t where this journey ends! Until September I will continue travelling and experiencing new quarters of this earth. The past couple of years I have been truly lucky with the amount of travelling I have been able to do! seeing new places really opens my eyes to how amazing this world truly is. Not only that, but how BIG this world truly is. I feel as though I have seen a lot of the world, but then think… I have only seen a mere fraction. This world is massive and I fully intend to never stop exploring it. This past month has solidified for me that I am on the right path. I may not always know that the decisions I make are the right ones, but who does? I do know that I am happy; that the freedom of travelling and doing what you want when you want is so freeing. I have had the chance to reflect and really appreciate the opportunities I am given knowing that not many people are quite as lucky as I am.

You can’t truly appreciate the world until you get out and experience it for yourself. It is different for everyone with different adventures in store, but every moment will be worth it. I have grown to love the inbetweens; the “getting there” and how good it feels when you finally do.
I used to stay home. I would do what I know and wouldn’t step out of my comfort zone. I remember the first time I landed on foreign soil, feeling my heart sink. I was so naive to the world around me and was so out of my element. I was young, alone and lost, but able to find myself. I have been able to grow immensely as a person, discovering more about myself day after day. I wanted to see the world and I couldn’t do that from my backyard. I took a leap, a risk, a chance and left. As I head back to Canada to pack up for my next adventure I am so thankful for my time in China and the people I met along the way. I saw parts of the world I didn’t realize existed and I wouldn’t trade my experiences for anything. I cannot wait to see what is still in store.

Appreciate the small things, live for the big things!

J.
