Change

“To the fearful, change is threatening because it means things may get worse. To the hopeful, change is encouraging because it means things may get better. To the confident, change is inspiring because the challenge exists to make things better.” ~ Lorraine Matusak


I have always been one to follow my heart, knowing that it will lead me in the direction I am meant to go. Sometimes following your heart can be hard, and sometimes our mind allows our decisions to be made without the influence of our conscience.  No matter the path we choose, it is the one we are supposed to be traveling.  When I choose from my heart, it is what I know is best, even if it's not what my head is saying is right.  


Change can be extremely hard, and sometimes I have found myself avoiding change because of what I know is to come.  Avoiding hardship is not a way to learn or to grow I have found.  Challenging ourselves to change and go against the current can, in the end, be the exact thing we needed, even if it requires the most from us.  


Deciding to study in Italy for a year was both the easiest and hardest decision to make.  Yes, I was fearful and at times wanted to back out; and No, it's not the easiest and most comfortable situation I have lived, but that's part of the purpose.  Challenging ourselves, becoming self-sufficient, appreciating what we have, who we are, and where we are from can give us strength we never knew we had and an awareness we have never understood before.  It can make the (now) insignificant stress we experienced prior seem less than trivial.   


I know that I am where I am supposed to be, no matter how hard it may seem at times.  I have grown more this week in Italy than I have a month elsewhere.  I have learned more about myself than I had known until now.  I am fortunate and quiet, ready for the world to continue gracing me with the opportunities of life and, most importantly of love.