Life Is About Change (#164)

I’ve had a really difficult time writing about gratitude this past week. I have enjoyed being home and the time off has been the break I have been looking for. That being said, this was completely unexpected.

I’m grateful this has all coincided with my brother’s graduation but this was never the original plan. On Wednesday of last week, I got an email saying I needed to return back to the U.S to fix an issue with my work VISA. This news was devastating. I wanted nothing more than to just BE in England this summer. Living and working at the University of Essex was a dream come true. I felt like I was letting people down like I was letting myself down for not catching this before it became an issue.

I felt ashamed that I was back in Ashland, just waiting for my VISA to get processed. After talking things through and really taking a breath to consider the entire situation, I know I can make this work. Soon enough, I’ll be back in the UK working as an intern in the same position like nothing had happened. I’m currently working remotely from home in the meantime. I’m grateful for my parents and their unconditional support. This is something I know I need to learn from.

The reason I titled this blog about change is that none of this was the original plan. I was never supposed to be home for my brother’s graduation or these special moments with my family. Yet, here I am. Life doesn’t always work out the way we think it will but with a little bit of patience and a positive mindset, I’ve found myself here, happy.

The waiting game is tough and I feel bad about my lack of presence in England but I’ll be back before I know it. I’ve gotten some really good advice from friends and family about the situation and I’m grateful to have these people in my corner. All I know is that I just have to take this life one day at a time and the rest will figure itself out.

06.05.18

Today I’m Grateful For…

1. Ice cream trips with Mel
2. Family dinner
3. Relaxing with my cat
4. Good timing
5. New music and good playlists
6. FaceTimes with Bryan
7. Time with my cat
8. Monopoly nights with my dad and brother
9. The green trees and foliage around my house
10. Honesty
11. Trying again
12. Reassurance and support
13. Positive people
14. Catching up on Gratitude
15. The change of seasons and warm weather
16. The authors who inspired this list
17. Safe travels
18. Good health
19. Runs through town
20. Summer Grilling
21. Learning something new
22. A couple deep breaths
23. Good advice and helpful reminders
24. The smell of the flowers outside my home
25. The here and now

As always, check out my first blog, 25 Things I’m Grateful For (#1) to know why I’m writing this list and why I want you to start yours.

Featured image of a building in London. I appreciated the architecture, color, and angle of the building. Something I’m looking forward to returning to when I go back to the UK this summer.