A Year Abroad.

They say that when you go off book, and leave the plan behind, that is when the adventure truly begins.

I started this adventure, full of plans and ideas, eager for answers. In the year since I left, I have gone off book, and then thrown out the plan. I have learned to follow my heart and ended up in a place that I would never have imagined.
In reflecting on the past year I have some highlights and lessons I would like to share. Including a look at some of the people I have been so lucky to spend time with this year!

1. Plans can change, and what comes maybe better than the original

Of course the biggest change was the decision to cancel my return ticket, and stay on in India. But there have been a few other changes, including joining a different Yoga School, and then finding a home and job here in Mysore!

The yoga school was by far the best choice I have made, I find myself returning to the space every so often. So many of my choices since then have been driven by connections with the people from my Yoga classes. Even my decision to stay back was based around the idea that I wanted to further my yoga studies, and spend another month dedicated to the practice.

2. Sometimes, you have to take a risk to really experience something wonderful

In Thailand, it is so easy to just march through a list and follow along with a crowd. One of my favorite moments was when I decided to squeeze one more destination into my trip, and took off for two days in Koh Lipe, a tiny and fairly simple island, with amazing snorkeling and beautiful beaches! When I dream about the beach, I often picture this tiny island!

3. I am far more capable than I could have ever imagined!

Not only on the mat, but in this experience. Its not always easy to be somewhere so different, and while I have the benefit of knowing the language. There are still times where I find the culture to be so different!

4. Family time is always so valuable.

One of the biggest draws to my time here, has been to connect with family. In the time I have been here, I can say I have so enjoyed getting to know my family, and especially spending time with my Grandmother. I think this has been the biggest accomplishment of my time here. Getting to know and understand her even a little bit, was one of the best gifts of the past year.

I am so glad I decided to take this leap, and embark on this adventure, even if I had no idea where it would lead! I cannot wait to see what the coming months hold!