"So, What's Your Favorite Place?"

I have gotten this question a lot from different different people in the time that I've been gone. And the answer is never one that they expect. I can tell you that I've seen some amazing things in the places I've been, breathtaking landscapes and scenery, and historical architecture most will never see in their lifetimes. And it has all been magical. It is truly a fairytale I'm living. But when I think about the places I've been, I don't really think about the things I've seen; only the people I've met, the experiences I've had, and especially the growth and healing I did in each place. 

💖In Plovdiv, I learned to process the emotions around saying goodbye and healthy detachment.

💖In Istanbul, I learned the art of not reacting and met a good friend.

💖In Antalya, I began learning how to trust people and  myself.

💖In Sparta, I was isolated with no distractions from my thoughts and feelings. And I released years of pent up emotions. It was painful and scary. I cried for hours on end. But I'm extremely grateful to have experienced that. 

💖In Patras, I finally started fully enjoying my own company.

💖In Ioaninna, I had a fulfilling yoga practice that allowed me to release more emotion and the next day, I felt real joy getting through for the first time. 

💖In Gjirokaster, I learned to validate my feelings and surrounded myself with people who understood me, as well I started learning to strive to understand people before making decisions about them. 

Shall I go on?

As beautiful as these places are, when I think about them, it's the growth I did there that comes to mind. Nobody is perfect and I don't strive to be. But when you know a change in your thinking is long overdue, there's a lot that comes with that. With the lessons and healing I mentioned above, it's caused a complete overhaul in the way I think, the way I move, and how I interact with people. Healing is a lifelong journey but at this moment, I'm extremely grateful for how far I've come. 

My favorite place is where I'm at right now; mentally and emotionally. All the physical places I've been thus far have brought me here. To this place. And there's no other place I'd rather be. I have 6-7 weeks left of my physical journey, but the one in my mind goes far beyond my departure date. If I've done that much growth in 2 months...what will the next 6 weeks bring? I'm so excited to find out. And to continue when I return to Canada. I will always be working on myself, not to achieve perfection but to achieve a version of myself that the current version can always be proud of. I have become the person little me needed desperately, and I've become the woman little me is so proud of. 

My favorite place is the here and now. My favorite place is calm, peaceful, and accepting. It is me and all the of current and future versions of myself. 

I love you all!

xoxo

Annie.