Viewing the world through rose-colored glasses- My perspective of living abroad and how it changed my life.

Think back to the days of full schedules, endless lectures, and crammed study sessions. Has much really changed since entering the second phase of life which is the workforce? This type of overload can cause the best of us to find ourselves daydreaming in class or in the office more days than not. Imagine each day that you put on a new pair of rose colored glasses, lock the door behind you, and experience a new world. Now that sounds pretty good to me. Except instead of a daydream that you snap out of, it is your reality!

Living abroad is a full experience and one of the best opportunities a person can give themselves.

 It’s a chance to grow, bloom, and find new possibilities. Who says there is just one type of rose? There are over three hundred species of roses in the world. That can be said for the way we choose to perceive life. There isn’t only one way to see life, there are many. There are endless possibilities of different cultures and worlds to explore first hand.

So what is it all about, why are people really so obsessed with travel and living abroad? A lot of it could be in part due to the increasingly globalized world in which we live in. Perhaps the younger generations are more keen to take bigger risks and break norms of their own society to seek other opportunities. Older generations are seeking to retire and enjoy the later years of their lives in a different atmosphere. Now there is an explosion of people who study, live, and work abroad. These increasingly growing options give more opportunities for those to experience a different way of living for any age. Who would say no! 

“Time spent traveling and living abroad has given me a clearer sense of self.”

-La Americana Abroad

I think we all strive to be the best that we possibly can be. At work, at home, with our families and peers. Everyone searches for a clearer sense of self and for some that is found outside of our comfort zones. Living abroad and being immersed in another culture day to day is a big step outside of a normal comfort zone. Traveling provides a type of euphoria to help clear the mind of negativity and focus on oneself. Everyday when I wake up I use an affirmation. Something as little as a self-compliment does the trick. Taking into account the trials and tribulations that have gotten me to this point in my life are important to recognize. It gives me a clearer sense of self about the person who I am. Given the chance to study, live, and work abroad I have a better understanding of the goals I want to achieve, the difference I want to make and see in the world, as well as the positive contribution I want to share with society.

Let’s be realistic, traveling does cost money and it takes time if you are seeking adventure abroad. That being said, you don’t have to break the bank in order to do so. Not all are cut out for it but for those who are willing to put a step forward are the brave folks that decided to pick a pair of rose colored glasses, lock the door behind them, and head out. 

Affirmations:

• I believe in my dreams. … 
• I am doing my best every day. … 
• I love myself for who I am. … 
• I am in charge of my own happiness. … 
• I accept 100% responsibility for my own life. … 
• The best is yet to come. … 
• I am grateful for every day. …

A Personal Goal:

• Compliment Yourself. … 
• A Change You Want To Make. …
• Gratitude. …