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I think I am starting to lose some hair, but with a brisk fling of the arm to the sky, I lift my middle finger in salute to this slight mishap! I've travelled a good chunk of Europe now and as time has passed I've felt, despite the cliché, a real change in my attitudes and perspectives. Initially, I struggled beginning my new career in paramedicine, having a year and a half off post graduation I'd lost the confidence in my knowledge and ability. The first few months were exhausting, just the thought of it made me anxious, but with a supportive mentor and friend I proved to myself I really did have what it takes. A few months onwards I'm now working independently as a paramedic and have a real confidence in my ability and knowledge. I've met both patients and colleagues who each in their own way, whether it be by recommending a book, discussing a unique lifestyle choice or conveying the strength of human spirit in the darkest of moments, have and continue to inspire me.
Leaving my friends and family behind on a whim, was easily the biggest, and what I thought initially, worst decision I'd ever made. But after months I came to realise it was truly the best. It's not until you leave your environment and look outwards, then inwards, that you are truly able to find your real passions and true priorities. I moved to London, I found a house, I thought to myself hey, now it's time to travel. I'd go to a new place, really enjoy it, post a bunch of photos on Facebook, come home and realised despite the fun, I'd learnt nothing. It wasn't until I did some solo travel I began really taking things in, forming new ideas and challenging old ones - although that said, nothing is better than travelling with a good friend. The people I'd met abroad really made the experience, whether it was a gorgeous Spaniard in Bilbao, welcoming waitress in Lithuania or bunch of european novice skydivers in Madrid.
My aim for every trip, and ideally extending into everyday life, has now become rather then prioritise comforts and expectations, I want to ensure I am always aspiring to something different, exciting and challenging, thereby always pushing myself out of the comfort zone and out of that daily grind, learning and growing, rather then being sucked into that black hole of social media, tourist traps and couch sprawling - thereby becoming static. I've never rock climbed a large cliff face, I've never alpine climbed to the top of an ice capped peak, I've never taken any form of action against political or environmental wrong doings despite my held opinions - these are big goals, although small things such as changing ones diet, increased conversations with strangers, reading more books, but my point is, with time, effort and means anything is possible - cliche.
I've got one month until I return home to see friends and family, this is one trip I've looked forward to ever since I came over, and I will be sharing a beer and embrace with each one of these pelicans when I arrive back.
Get out there guys, try something new and challenge yourself, I did and it was the best thing I've ever done.
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