1 Year Abroad

Hey friends,

It’s October 3rd, 2024, exactly one year since I hopped on a plane with a one-way ticket to Spain.

I had no idea of the changes I would go through mentally, emotionally, or spiritually.

I was oblivious to all the world had to offer.

I was in a comfortable bubble, resistant to change.

I don’t want to be stuck in the state of comfort again.

It’s a luxurious trap, being comfortable.

This has been the most transformational year of my life, and although at times it was tough or lonely, I wouldn’t hesitate to do it all over again.

When you reflect on your past, you can learn lessons and grow from it all. So here are a few of the lessons I have learned in the past year:

1. Goals/Visions/Dreams

These are so important in creating the life you want, so you don’t end up stuck living a mediocre day-to-day life.

“A dream written down with a date is a goal. A goal broken down into steps is a plan. And a plan actioned creates reality.”

One year and 10 months ago, I created a vision board with a section dedicated to traveling to Europe.

One year and 2 months ago, I bought a one-way ticket.

One year ago, I left Australia, and my dream became my reality.

When you have a clear vision, you can attract it instead of chasing after it. My new motto this year, which I use in almost every circumstance, is: “I don’t chase, I attract.”

2. Limiting Beliefs

We all, subconsciously or consciously, hold beliefs around every area of our lives. I have spent this year deconstructing the beliefs I held that were limiting me to a lower standard.

A major belief I unfortunately held was that I needed to be dependent on a man—that I had to be the perfect girl so I could live a life supporting him. That I couldn’t achieve much, but I could fall in love and help my husband achieve great things. I am unbelievably relieved that I have broken away from this belief. I know wholeheartedly that I can support myself and achieve all my goals and dreams independently, without needing the emotional or financial support of a man.

Another belief I held was that I could not travel alone because I am a young woman. That I would need someone with me because, how could I ever look after myself? However, after a few solo trips—and many more planned—I feel so confident being by myself and exploring the world without waiting for anyone else.

3. Follow and trust your intuition

Being in tune with my intuition was incredibly important this year because there were so many choices and decisions that had to be made, and no one else could decide them for me. But I also learned that fear loves to stop or delay you from achieving the things that excite you.

4. Being independent but surrounded by community

When I left Australia, I was dependent on the beautiful community that surrounded me. And although I feel so blessed to have that, it also delayed me from stepping out on my own. I feel as though when I left, I did a full 180-degree turn and wanted to be solely independent. At first, it was exciting and adventurous, but it quickly became lonely. So I am learning that I need the balance of independence within a community to satisfy me.

5. Balance

When I reflect on the lifestyle I lived in Australia, I swung dramatically between going all in for work for months at a time, then shifting to only spending time with my friends, or only seeing my family, or going to the gym five days a week and then not going for months. But as I have slowed down on this island in Malta, I have been practicing the art of balance. To have time for family, friends, work, exercise, nature, self-care, reflection, creative outlets, etc. I feel well-balanced and in touch with many aspects of my life this way.

6. My Faith

A year ago, I was in church four days a week, immersed in the community. I was worried I wouldn’t have the same relationship with my faith if I stepped out of that culture. But Christianity is not just about the church or checking off that you’ve attended on Sunday; it’s about the relationship you hold with God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. And this year has encouraged me to lean into Him even more and trust that He is guiding and leading my way.

I could go on forever with everything this year has taught me and opened my eyes to, but I’ll end with this: You are only capable of achieving everything you are open and accepting to receive.

Here’s to one year abroad and many more to come!

All my love,

Kaila 💌