“I was here, I lived, I loved, I was here, I did, I’ve done, everything that I wanted” – Beyoncé
iHola a todos!
As my last week in Madrid arrived, I have struggled to come to terms with my departure. Doing everything for the last time this week was sentimental and bittersweet for me. I am so indebted to not only this city but the people who have made this experience one of the best chapters of my life. I came here with no expectations of what this city had to offer and whom I was going to become at the end of it all. In this week’s post, not only do I want to talk about my experiences living here but to thank individuals who have witnessed and shared this journey with me.
The best lesson I learned while living here was to be unapologetically myself. My tendency of putting others before myself played a prevalent part of my life before Madrid. Allowing others to redirect my feelings and opinions happened quite often as I felt the need to catered to their emotions rather than mine. As I began learning from the Spanish culture, I was surprised by how straight forward the people are and how easily they express what they feel rather than what others would like to hear. For the first time in my life, I allowed myself to say and do what I wanted. I realized that I am the only person who is in charge of my happiness and it was the best lesson Madrid could have taught me.
One of my favorite terms in Spanish is “mi media naranja” which means my half of the orange or my other half. This term, however, isn’t only applied to the romantic aspect. Madrid has become mi media naranja, therefore, leaving behind half of my heart will be one of the hardest things I must do. There are no words to ever express my love, appreciation, and gratitude towards this city.
As a tradition, my friend would always ask that we say one low, high, and thankful about our day. I believe it is fitting for me to do the same for Madrid. My low would be my homesickness at the beginning of the semester. However, my lowest point allowed me to realize that the life I was living was unhealthy and quite stressful. Finding myself is no doubt a high for me. Through every conversation and trips I have taken with my friends, I grew from their advice and life stories.
I am thankful for the friendships that I have made. Brian, CJ, Julia, Marisa, Ari, Nico, Nitz, Kylee, Liz, and Eunjee has allowed me to blossom into the person I am right now. We have seen the best and worst of each other and somehow still manage to laugh through it all. These individuals have inspired me to be the best version of myself. Madrid wouldn’t have felt like home without their warmth and love.
P.S. Madrid, muchas gracias por todo. Te quiero mucho!
Hasta Luego,
Lisa
Song of the week: “I Was Here” – Beyoncé