There is no constant in life other than change. For a long time, this frightened me. I liked having a routine and knowing what my day held. I would get anxious if things didn’t go according to plan, even panicking if a situation felt unfamiliar. I’ve always loved trying new things but was absolutely terrified of the change that accompanied it.
My outlook on all of that changed this fall, as I began embracing the spontaneity of life with a sense of adventure. I can now comfortably say that I find myself thriving in change, at my happiest when I’m on the road, going places that I’ve never been.
Over the past few months, I have prioritized solo travel. This has not only led me to new experiences and friends, but has also begun shaping who I am. I love the sense of independence and unpredictability that a 4:15 a.m. wake-up for a journey to Vermont holds. From recent day drives to NYC or flights out to London and Canada, I have been going out of my way to create memories, perfectly content in the change and uncertainty that comes along with it.
Source: Collin Moura 
Source: Collin Moura
Next fall, I will find myself on a solo semester journey in Madrid. I don’t know anybody else choosing to study through CIEE and will most likely be the only Sacred Heart student in the city. A year ago, I’d be panicking to no end. Yet, I have never been more excited for something in my life. Change will certainly await me, but I’m actually excited to be going alone. I can’t wait to meet people from all around the globe, and to live each day with a sense of spontaneity. I went on a trip by myself for the first time this year and have gone on dozens since. I’m hoping that by my next editorial, I’ll have embarked on dozens more.
The world is so big. I want to see as much of it as I can as soon as I can. So until then, you’ll probably find me searching for my next adventure. Who knows if it’ll be by car, train, plane, or where my final destination will be, but I do know that I’ll be embracing change, enjoying the present, and living my life to the complete fullest. To wrap this up, I’ll leave you with the first song that I queue when stepping foot in an airport or setting out on a long drive. In the wise words of Willie Nelson, “On the road again, goin’ places that I’ve never been, seein’ things that I may never see again, and I can’t wait to get on the road again.”
