My Last.

This morning I was thinking about when I felt happiest in my life.  I always think back to being in Rome, not when I first got there, but at the end.  Also, I think of this time right now here in Colorado, right before I leave for Sydney.  The commonality in these two times in my life is my appreciation for being in the moment due to the realization of how quickly time passes.  It's the whole "live your life as if each day were your last" idea. There was a specific time when I was in Rome and feeling home sick, when I was writing my friend an email about how much I wished I was back in Denver. When I sat down to write it in comparison to the amazing city around me, suddenly Rome seemed so exciting and I had the greatest experience from then on.  I never ended up sending that letter, but I was thankful that I sat down to write it because it helped me open my eyes to the incredible city around me and my vision was no longer clouded by wishing I were somewhere else.  I think there is a tendency to think "I would be happier if...," but the truth is that your thoughts create your reality and can create joy right where you are.  These past few weeks I have been thinking to myself, "this is my last time...." It has really helped me be in the moment and appreciate my family, my friends, my puppy, and my home.  When you change your perspective to a temporary scenario, you start to see things differently.  I think it brings out the important things in life and rids your life of unnecessary worries.  I think this whole realization of following my dreams to go wherever in the world I want to be, that I am not stuck anymore in Colorado, has made me realize how much I love the comforting feelings of home. I am so thankful for everything in my life right now, and I've really started noticing how much happier this new perspective makes me. I just hope I can hold on to this realization when I am in Australia to fully grasp the blessings in my life while I am there and soak up every experience as if it were my last day there.

When I think of home, I think of watching Gossip Girl on my computer, a homemade cup of coffee, and my puppy curled up next to me while it is snowing outside.

[via tumblr]

4 Days till Australia