The other day on my walk home from the gym, I found myself looking around, taking everything in, enjoying the intense warmth of the sun (on the last day of October), and I caught myself with the goofiest smile on my face. I was fiercely grinning from ear to ear. I realized I was just stupid happy- a giddy little girl.
Even after a year of working in Madrid, this city still gives me that silly butterfly feeling. Every time I take a minute to think about how lucky I am to be living here and having this experience, when I stop and reflect on where it has taken me and how much I’ve grown, I get goosebumps all over. (Disclaimer: I know this all sounds a little corny- but I wouldn’t be writing it if it weren’t true)
Last May, it took a lot of thinking, a lot of analyzing pros and cons and honestly a leap of faith to decide to stay in Madrid a second year. So many little voices in my head persistently whispered that it was a terrible idea. I feared ultimately regretting my decision, feeling more homesick after returning to New York for the summer and eventually becoming an afterthought to the people I love most.
Well, here I am, two months in, and I have to say that I couldn’t be happier with my decision. I’d be lying if I said that being so far away from home was always easy, but the truth is I couldn’t imagine myself anywhere else in the world right now. Sure I miss home, I miss my friends and my family, sometimes I even miss the culture and the food, but walking home the other day with that big goofy grin on my face, I finally realized for now, this is where I need to be. I don’t know how I’ll feel in a week, a month, or a year, but today at this moment, this is where I belong.
So, my motivation for this Monday- Find what, who and where makes you happy today. Today is just as important, if not more than yesterday and tomorrow. Don’t be afraid to take a chance if it means finding your happiness. If it doesn’t work out, at least you can say you gave it a real try. Who knows, you may be onto something incredible. Find that happiness, familiarize yourself with it, grasp onto it and follow it. It may not be in the same thing, person or place tomorrow. But today you deserve it.
*I’m going to start writing “Motivational Monday” posts on a biweekly basis. Of course these posts are for all of you, but they are also for me. We all get so wrapped up in life sometimes (me included), get stuck in our mundane routines and forget about what is really important. I, as well as many, could all use a little added positivity, inspiration and reflection, and why not share?
Has anything made you stupid-happy lately? 😀
Linkin’ up with Meg today!
I love the quote at the top of your post! So powerful and true! So glad you are happy with what sounds like a major life decision. What brings you to Madrid? I am interested in your story as I hope to one day live abroad.
Have a great week!
Cheers,
Alyson
I am teaching English as an Auxiliar! You can read all about my experience here https://laurenonlocation.com/?p=628 if you are interested! Madrid is such a wonderful city! It truly does make me so so happy!
This is awesome! Happiness and contentment are so important and your grin…I’m sure it made a lot people’s day!
Thanks Jenny! Hope I didn’t freak anyone out! 😀
Good idea Lauren. It’s so important to take a step back and realize all the good that’s going on. Too frequently does it just pass us by without noticing!
Thanks Jess! We’re all so busy that sometimes we forget to realize how much we’ve accomplished!
Oh man, this post makes me jealous. I didn’t make it back to Madrid like I wanted and right now i’m not at a place in my life where I am very happy. Some days are bad days, but this post is a reminder to look at everything and find the good in the day.
I’m so to hear that Kelsey 🙁 !!! I hope things turn around soon!! Just try to focus on the good for now. If you remind yourself every day of something that you are thankful for, you’d be surprised how much your mood will change!
“Don’t be afraid to take a chance if it means finding your happiness. If it doesn’t work out, at least you can say you gave it a real try.”Your words are exactly what I was told by my family and friends before moving to Australia. I’ve never been a risk taker, but when it came down to finding pure happiness, I knew I belonged in Australia… almost 9 months later, I couldn’t be more pleased with the decision I made.
Those goofy smiles when you realize that everything is all right are the best! 🙂
Happy you have found your happiness too Andrea :D!! Sometimes all it takes is a chance!