Sushi on the Barbie

Our greatest gift to one another is offering our full time and attention…

I have been thinking and reblogging and reminiscing about Australia and Japan quite a bit. I didn’t realize what an adjustment I’d need in returning home to the States after the most amazing 6 months I’ve just had abroad. I figured I would just fall back into some sort of routine and get on with it. But it hasn’t quite happened that way. I realize how lucky I was to spend so much time in these incredible countries and it’s truly a once in a lifetime type of thing. But I can’t help but still miss it, even if I got way more than I deserved. I miss the crepe desserts and crazy costumes in Harajuku. I miss wandering the streets of Melbourne and coming across the most unique cafes and pubs tucked back into lane ways you could almost miss. I miss the warm tropical water off the coast of Cairns and the mouthwatering scones I discovered in Sydney. I miss having tea! I mean a proper one!

So many things I miss about being abroad. The people, the adventures, the constant discoveries, the feeling of experiencing something new and different. I suppose it’s hard to feel energized when coming back “home” because things feel so familiar. Granted, I am in a different state, but it’s not that different (okay, minus the lack of In n’ Out and exceptional Mexican food from So Cal).

What I’ve come to realize is the necessity to exercise being present. There are so many wonderful things about being here- especially getting to spend time with my sister and my pit bull niece that I am obsessed with. And then there’s the beach, really great happy hours and all those dang mermaids. There are a lot of things to be happy about and excited about. It’s just time to remind myself (and anyone else needing that extra kick in the pants) that I am exactly where I need to be at this moment. And while I am here, I will focus on being here. These things seems to be way easier said than done at times, but I suppose that’s why I’m writing this particular post today. Accountability! 

Have you been giving the gift of your true presence to your family and friends lately?

“Life is available only in the present moment. If you abandon the present moment you cannot live the moments of your daily life deeply.”  -Thich Nhat Hanh