The End of a Chapter

Do you know the disappointment that comes when you finish a really good book? The kind of book in which you fall in love with the characters, live in the setting, and feel as though the plot was your life story. That is the feeling I have now. When a chapter of my life comes to a close. The most exciting and memorable chapter so far.

My future has come to crunch time. I must make a decision on how I actually want it to go, instead of childishly dreaming of endless possibilities (definition would be according to society as opposed to my own definition in which adults still have endless possibilities.) My choices:

1. Stay in West Virginia and pursue my career in education. Live for myself.

2. Go back to Italy, where I created family and friends.  Live for myself.

You see, the most difficult part of the decision, of choosing between two lives, is knowing both were so beautiful. Both did so much for me. Both are more than good.

So the decision is......
After a few months here, I will be moving and meeting my love in New Jersey (Yes people, Italy of America.) This may become my home. I suppose only time will tell.

What I have realized about being home, becoming home, is life sometimes seems less of an adventure. Foreign languages, new foods, and strong coffees make it easy to see adventure. To enjoy every moment. But when that place becomes home the excitement dulls. Life can become a small boring box. And to be honest, I am not a small boring box kind of girl.

I must constantly remind myself to find the adventure in the everyday. Yes, the road rage can be funny, work can be rewarding, family can be hilarious, writing letters can be nostalgic, and going to the same everyday restaurant can be just a enticing as a new one. I need to renew my childish curiosity and find the joy in the ordinary. Because this free spirit will one day settle for the storybook ending that comes with a deep love from Italy (no worries no time soon.) --But as I ran into a life filled with adventure, of places, and cultures, I realize, my favorite was the friends, the family, and the memories.

Here is my final post (the 100th to be exact). After Two continents, 13 countries, countless friends, about 6 languages, a romance like no other, tears, laughs, a wedding, and lots of wine here is my last video. And just to confirm...'I Lived.'

 

This is a tearful farewell, but the adventure is sure to continue.