Reflections from a Month in Europe
Creative Block → 008
Creative Block is a weekly newsletter that gives you a glimpse into my life, creativity, design, and music. It's like a little pick-me-up that you get delivered straight to your inbox each week.
My wife and I embarked on a month-long journey across Europe to celebrate our fifth wedding anniversary. It was an absolute delight, and I feel incredibly grateful for the opportunity to unwind and recharge. This adventure has sparked my creativity and invigorated my spirit once again!
During our travels, we explored London, Amsterdam, Portugal, and France. It was during this time that we discovered more about ourselves and our individual preferences for relaxation. Personally, I found immense joy in traveling to new places and indulging in the comforts of our hotel room – catching up on my favorite shows, playing games, or simply watching entertaining videos on YouTube (Sometimes design tutorials smh). These are luxuries that often elude me during my busy everyday life. While I enjoy going out occasionally on the trip, the daily hustle of sightseeing can be draining for me. I realized that I have a limited window of about 3 to 4 hours to relish being outdoors and social before I start craving solitude and peaceful moments in the comfort of my hotel room. I'm immensely grateful that my wife understood this, and we had days where she pursued her own interests while I either accompanied her or opted to enjoy the tranquility of our hotel room.
This trip afforded me numerous moments of quiet reflection, allowing me to delve deeper into self-discovery, my aspirations, fears, and the relationships that matter most to me – my connection with God and my bond with my wife. Even though we were on vacation, I found myself occasionally glancing at our bank account, to see if we still had enough to fund our month-long European adventure. The concern of whether I had saved enough money constantly lingered in the back of my mind. (I’lldive into to this deeper in a future newsletter)
I must admit that I sometimes grapple with guilt during periods of rest and relaxation because I'm aware that not everyone has the means to embark on such an extensive European getaway or even take a week off. My wife is always there to remind me of the hard work we put in to reach this point and the blessings/favor we have received from God to be in a position like this. Now that I'm back home in Texas, I reflect on the incredible memories we created in Europe – witnessing breathtaking art, engaging in heartfelt conversations with strangers, savoring intimate dinners with my wife, sharing laughter, and taking leisurely walks. Every experience was priceless, beyond any monetary value.
I firmly believe that my outlook on life wouldn't be as rich if it weren't for my wife. Left to my own devices, I would spend my downtime confined to the hotel room 24/7, venturing out only for a brief period to eat or take a leisurely stroll and perhaps see a few sights. What I adore about her is her remarkable ability to comprehend the notion that life should be fully lived and experienced to the utmost. I don't mean to suggest that anyone should accumulate debt in pursuit of such experiences, but I do believe that life's fulfillment can be found in simpler moments like taking a leisurely walk, appreciating nature, enjoying a morning coffee while reading a favorite book, or engaging in meaningful conversations with friends. These are the things that make life truly meaningful. It just so happened that, for our fifth anniversary, we were fortunate enough to savor life's richness in Europe through meticulous planning a year in advance.
Undoubtedly, I am grateful for the month we spent in Europe, but above all, I am incredibly grateful for experiencing it all with my beloved wife. Europe taught me the importance of slowing down and relishing every moment. My fear upon returning home was that the fast-paced nature of life would swiftly engulf us, and I would forget the art of living intentionally and calmly amidst the hustle and bustle of Texas. However, my wife and I have made a conscious decision to prioritize intentionality in our lives. We are determined to be mindful of our time, nurture our friendships, and establish healthy boundaries.
Europe has left an indelible mark on us, serving as a constant reminder to embrace a slower, more intentional approach to life. We have learned that it is possible to find moments of tranquility amidst the busyness, to savor the simple pleasures that surround us every day. Whether it's enjoying a leisurely walk in a nearby park, sipping a cup of coffee while marveling at the beauty of nature, or engaging in deep conversations with cherished friends, we are determined to make the most of each opportunity.
Returning home from such an enriching experience can sometimes be challenging. The memories of Europe, the art, the people, and the enchanting moments we shared can seem like a distant dream. Yet, we carry the essence of that journey within us, and it serves as a guiding light as we navigate the demands of our daily lives. We remind ourselves that life is not just about grand adventures but also about finding joy in the everyday moments that weave together to create a tapestry of fulfillment.
As we settle back into our routines in Texas, we strive to maintain the balance we discovered in Europe. We allocate time for rest and rejuvenation, understanding that it is not a luxury but a necessity for our overall well-being. We cherish the moments of solitude, allowing ourselves to recharge and reflect, knowing that it is in those moments of quiet introspection that we can gain clarity and nurture our personal growth.
Our journey across Europe taught us the value of embracing different perspectives, of immersing ourselves in new cultures and experiences. It broadened our horizons and deepened our appreciation for the diversity of humanity. We carry this newfound openness and curiosity in our hearts as we interact with our community and seek to make a positive impact wherever we can.
In the end, it is not about the duration of our European escapade or the price tag attached to it. It is about the richness of our experiences, the connections we forge, and the lessons we learn along the way. Our fifth anniversary trip to Europe will forever hold a special place in our hearts, reminding us to live fully, intentionally, and with gratitude for the blessings that surround us each day.
Weekly Column of Inspiration 🧶
📔 Read:
Nothing this week. Still recovering from Jet lag.
👁 See:
Designed this on the airplane back to Texas.
🎧 Hear:
You guys said you wanted me to make a monthly playlist so stay tuned. I’m working on something!
As a born and bread European, Italian at that, I love that Europe fulfilled a purpose for you. However, I think the slow pace you experienced on your trip was due to the nature of your trip itself: a vacation.
It's true that Southern Europe lends itself to ravishing moments of pure bliss thanks to our nice weather and delicious foods, but the grass isn't always greener on the other side. If you live and work in a city on this side of the pond, life isn't all that different from the US.