This year is filled with milestones, life changes and career changes, professional and personal growth and so many happy moments to appreciate, yet I’ve caught myself a few times this year thinking of what I HAVEN’T yet achieved instead of what I have achieved. I wish I was writing more. I wish I had time to launch my new site. I wish I was pitching more to editors. I wish all my Japan stories were written and photos edited (they are coming soon, I promise). I wish I had done this and done that.
Sound familiar? Well, I’m taking a moment this month to stop all of that nonsense in my over-thinking brain and CELEBRATING LIFE!!!
WHERE AM I GOING THIS TIME?
I’m flying to MADRID today for a week!! Time for some tapas, Spanish football, siestas, lazying around cafes and wandering the barrios in ~20C weather. It’s my third time visiting Spain, but first time to the capital. I’ve been to Barcelona twice and have travelled to Seville, Malaga, Granada, Cordoba and Valencia.
Because we’re travelling during shoulder season, price for hotel and airfare was quite reasonable through Travelocity.
WHAT AM I CELEBRATING?
5th Wedding Anniversary
This trip is less about the destination and more about who I’m travelling with. October 24th marks our 5th Wedding Anniversary. 5 years. Whoa. Time flies by so fast, yet each and every day I’m so thankful of having my partner-in-crime right by my side, through thick and thin. We’ve grown together as a couple, yet grown individually so much too!
5 years ago, I would never have guessed my husband would love travel almost as much as I do and that we would travel together to Thailand, Turkey, Argentina, Uruguay, Hungary, Italy, Spain, Malta, France, Cuba, Mexico, Dominican Republic and Japan since we’ve been married. Guess who suggested Madrid this time? It wasn’t me!
5 years ago, my husband would never have guessed I would grow to love sushi and that one day I’d be eating it with him in Japan. So many times he was disappointed that I wouldn’t try it. Well, guess what? Just over a year ago I became a little more adventurous with my food. That surprised even me.
What am I not surprised by? Our love for each other and appreciation for the little moments in our marriage that make our life together so rich.
First Condo
After 5 years of renting, 2014 marks the year we bought our first condo together. This year was the right year to purchase when we were comfortable and ready. This month marks our first 6 months in our new place and WE LOVE IT!!
New Job
I’m so grateful for finally finding my passions in life – arts & culture and travel. These are the only two industries I see myself immersed in, atleast for now. In my arts and culture role, I’ve been given an opportunity to move to a different art gallery and I’ve jumped at the chance. It was a tough decision because I love the team I work with (I was bawling my eyes out earlier this week, seriously best team ever), but very thankful for the new opportunity. I start my new job when I get back from holidays. Time to celebrate abroad first!
Friends & Family
This year I attended two destination weddings of friends I’ve known for years. Being a part of their special day and celebrating with them was a highlight this year. Another celebration worth noting – attending a friend’s “F&CK YOU! Cancer Party” complete with a cancer pinata we beat the damn crap out of. And damn it felt good. Cuz cancer WILL have it’s ass kicked. Travel, new condos, new jobs, new cars or whatever – none of it matters. The memories and moments I’ve made with family and friends matter. And that’s worth celebrating, not just now or while I’m away, but every day.
Travel
I’m grateful for the opportunity to travel overseas, not once, but twice this year. Travel is still a privilege – something not to be taken for granted. I’ll be making the most out of my trip to Madrid.
Life can get so busy sometimes we forget to celebrate. It’s October – almost year end. Slow down, let go and celebrate! I will be. Want to join me? Go on, I dare you.
Want to follow my adventures in Madrid? Check out Desi Globetrotter on Facebook and Twitter for the latest updates!
Photo Credit: Creative Commons
