I am back in Germany and made it here with relative ease. My baggage dematerialized somewhere between Paris and Düsseldorf only to show up again later. So rather than having to schlep through the airport, train stations, and home with my gargantuan rucksack, I was able to ease-fully make my way and have it delivered to me the following day with no hassle at all.
Slowly I am finding my way back to normalcy and routine, something that is rather refreshing for this little Taurus. The three weeks in my hometown were a whirlwind. Both too long in ways to be away from "normal" life and too short to spend the amount and quality time I would have liked with everyone. My first week was so packed with events, I don't feel like I was ever fully grounded as I flitted from place to place. It was lovely to see people and only wish that I had been a little more present.
Aside from the utter and pure joy I felt in seeing family and friends, there were so many other reasons the trip was perfect for me. It turned out to be about, not just connection, but expectations, intention, and perspective. I redefined some friendships and was able to put out feelers on where I stand with people. Reconnecting, I was able to let go of the expectation of what my long distance friendships "should" look like. It was nice to just BE. I was reunited with people from my more distant past and even made a potential new friend or two. All-in-all, not bad for a girl who has always considered herself shy.
A few days were spent at my dad's house in, pretty much, the middle of nowhere. A few years ago that is something I probably would not have done and I was happy on this trip to have the ability to let go of my previous expectations of what our relationship or what he "should" be. I feel excited to be able to move on and create something different in the future. (are we seeing a theme here yet, people?) Him living in a small town helped me to ground myself after a near two weeks of constant running around. I got to roam in the snow and sit in the hot springs. More on that later. :)
The last BIG thing that I got from my trip was perspective on my life here in Germany. I have often, when feeling homesick, kept Utah and my life there on a pedestal, forgetting what an amazing adventure I have taken on. It's a bit like I have hit reset on all of this and I get to come back with a clean slate. I get to live the life I really want and that feels thrilling. A majority of my time on the plane, aside from bits of sleep, was spent reflecting and intention setting for the next year and I feel excited for what shape my life will be taking on.
I hope to share a few stories and photos in the coming days.
