This time last year, I was itching to get away.

I was tired of the routine, the monotony, feeling stuck. I’d just quit my job and accepted a master’s spot at the University of Copenhagen, completely ready to give up my life in Los Angeles for a life of adventure abroad.

I’ve been back and forth between my home in LA and my apartment in Copenhagen quite a bit, and I made sure to be at the former for my birthday this year. Nothing beats spending the first day of my 26th year at the Happiest Place on Earth.

The past year has definitely been an adventure.

The excitement I was looking for? I found it. And beyond just seeing the world, I’ve been able to do something I didn’t even know I was missing: see myself. Living in Copenhagen has really contributed to my understand of who I am, and what truly makes me happy. And I’ve learned the hard way that it isn’t being alone abroad. It’s being here. Home. Surrounded by all the people (and pups) who I love and cherish. Copenhagen has been an amazing opportunity, and I will always be grateful that I took the leap. But Copenhagen is not my forever.

I received some pretty spectacular news yesterday. The kind of news that has the potential to shake everything up, for the better. I’m only a couple days into the big two six, but I can already tell that this next year is going to be the best yet.

xo