One Place

I don’t believe that my life was meant to be lived in one place. This is the story of my world expanding.

I was born at a time where the internet became a natural part of our lives, and meeting people from around the world became so much easier. I was also born at a time where the “younger” generation was not afraid to take a year off school and travel around the world. I myself am an excellent example of this and decided to take a university program that “made” me travel. My generation has been handed many opportunities to get out into the world and meet people almost everywhere.

For the first major part of my life – everything was in one place. My mum and dad lived close to each other and grandma and grandad were only a 20 minute drive away. My friends lived a 10 minute walk away and my bubble was secure, small, happy and comfortable.

When I turned 16, my bubble popped and I moved a little further from school and my friends. Seeing them wasn’t a 10 minute walk anymore, but was something that had to be coordinated. This was the first time that I realized that I really missed seeing someone because of distance (it was, in retrospect not far at all!)

After graduating high school I moved out on my own with 2 other girls. The distance between my parents and I grew a bit, but I learned to value my time with them so much more whenever I did get the chance to visit. During this time I also met my now partner who happened to live in New York City *cue long distance relationship*. Through meeting him I’ve made lots of friends in NYC as well and always look forward to coffee dates and game nights where we can catch up.

In my third year of university I boarded a plane to study abroad in Belgium for 10 whole months. I was essentially saying goodbye to not only everyone I had known, but also everything about the comforts of home. Everything was different; the food, the languages spoken, customs, transportation systems and even how their school system worked. I started my little life there, got settled, made new friends and saw a whole other part of the world I had always dreamed about. I also had to figure out how to keep in touch with everyone, make new friends and adjust to a new country and language. It was a time of growth, along with growing pains and all.

I made friends abroad that I still miss, who I don’t always talk with, but I follow them on social media and do my share of keeping up with everyone. It’s hard to think about sometimes because I really do miss them. My friends while studying abroad became my family in Belgium. Although I may have been a small part of their life, but they will never be forgotten from mine.

One of the hardest relationships to have long distance (not only a partner) is your best friend. My best friend and I met when we were 6 years old and have been essentially inseparable since. We even got to live together in our last year of university. She will forever be my soul sister and being away from her is so hard.

I made a comment once that I feel like I’m always missing someone. Although that may seem upsetting, it is and it isn’t. I’m now living far away from family and my hometown friends, yet I’m building a new life for myself now in New York. No matter where I am – everyone isn’t there.

Through all of these little stories, I’m trying to paint the picture of how my world and circles have expanded over the years. In interesting and purposeful ways. It may seem unfortunate that my loved ones are in many different countries and time zones but I choose to look at it in a happier light – I know that I wouldn’t be the person I am if it wasn’t the case.

I wasn’t meant to grow up and grow old in the same city. Ever since I peaked through the curtains that is the view to the rest of the world – I couldn’t shake the feeling that I needed to explore it.

Recently I’ve embarked on a new adventure in moving to New York to live with my partner. I could not be more excited knowing what awaits and the unknown of what will my career, friends etc will develop into, is so exciting. In recent years the phrase “be open to all possibilities” is something I’ve held onto and I’m happily creating this new adventure and chapter of my life. Who knows what will happen, the people I’ll meet and the places I’ll see! I can’t wait to take this blog along and although the name may have changed from “Blonde in Belgium” to “Creating Caitlyn”, I’m still on the path of creating my life one day at a time.

To those in long distance relationships (friends/family/loved ones) just know that you are never that far away. The times we live in have made keeping in touch so easy and although connecting in person is ideal – don’t let anyone tell you any friends/relationships that you have that are long distance aren’t valid or real. Most people are only a skype call, text or silly snapchat away! I’ll leave you with a quote that inspired me to write this post and gave me hope to know how rich I truly feel.

You will never be completely at home again, because part of your heart will always be elsewhere. That is the price you pay for the richness of loving and knowing people in more than one place.