Three years ago I found myself knee deep in adventure, awe, and bliss. I was becoming whole again and rediscovering the thirst for life I had buried deep within me after a heartbreaking relationship. Winning the Gilman scholarship to study abroad was the nail in the coffin. He wasn’t happy for me and worse, he wanted to destroy our relationship and my self esteem in the process.

I packed my bags and boarded a plane on New Years Eve to Paris. The only celebration evident during the red eye flight was a lone person clapping after the flight attendant announced it was midnight. I blinked and was numb and alone. Traveling to another time zone far away from everything I once considered home. I cried in my seat silently as I watched Wall-E for the first time. Animated movies usually get to me but this time the sweet story managed to unleash my raw and untamed emotions with reckless abandon. After all, we had only just broken up a couple days before my departure.

And then a series of beautiful moments awakened my soul. I let myself experience everything in slow motion. I hit pause.

I noticed so many things around me now like how this stranger fully dressed in his tux, strolled over to this wall and lay down in the middle of the day. I was mesmerized by everything going on outside of what used to be my bubble.

I ordered foods that had always scared me.

Salmon

- Steak Tartare with raw egg (you may be cringing but it was unbelievably delicious!)

And savored every morsel of my experiences.

I closed my eyes a lot during this time and yet had never felt more awake during each moment. You can’t tell but this dessert was surprising.They caught me savoring it after I realized it had pop rocks in it

Chocolate and exploding candy are a winning combination friends!

I did other unimaginable things like wake up extra early to walk a couple miles to school because the path was so beautiful even though I’m not a morning person.

I didn’t shy away from speaking to strangers in French as I had with Italian. My fluency was incredible as a result and I earned a diploma in fluency after taking their national test.

I dated the good guy instead of the rebel. I had a choice and went for the guy who treated me well all the time instead of just the one that charmed me. It turned out to be a great decision because we traveled to Switzerland, laughed all the time, and learned a lot from each other.

This swan swam right up to me in Switzerland. At the moment I felt like nature was acknowledging that I was now on the right path.

It felt so good to be myself again. The curious, opinionated, sassy, confident, explorer. The girl that enjoyed having many friends and throwing parties. I had organized international pot lucks, dance nights, and a weekly 3 course lunch at my favorite bistro.

I dressed up and felt beautiful. I was finally home. At home with myself and it didn’t matter that I was across an ocean from Miami. I had found inner peace and learned to embrace change. I look so happy here

Life was good, positive, and bright just the way it should be. When was the last time you felt that kind of freedom to follow your whims and breathe deeply?

Trident has a great campaign that is all about the spark that ignites a journey connecting you to the positivity you’ve always had inside. I’d really love to hear about your journeys whether they be big or small.

This fun video is brought to you by great tasting Trident Gum. See what unfolds:

Did you try something new lately?

Are you considering taking a trip or getting out of your comfort zone?

Who are you really? And what makes you absolutely blissful?

While you’re figuring out your next adventure, I recommend trying the new Peach/Mango Layers gum! It is very fragrant and such a fun change from the typical minty flavors. My challenge to you is to try something new this week and veer from your norm. Just for fun, step outside of your usual routine and send me a picture or an e-mail telling me about it. I’ll post all the ones I receive here so that we can all get inspired by each other.
This is part of a sponsored campaign with Latina Mom Bloggers and TRIDENT. However, all opinions expressed are my own. This story is my own.

 

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