Thanks to the wise decision on behalf of our professor, we had a long weekend set aside for independent travel during our time here.
Let’s just say I experienced a very first world problem and was struggling with where to go.
Should I visit Belfast? What about Dublin? Ahh, Galway would be cool too!
So many neat areas to explore, and such little time to do so! I wanted to see it all, but there simply wasn’t enough time.
I had verbally committed to going to Belfast, yet the closer and closer it got to my departure, I realized that I was simply going to Belfast because that’s what I thought I should do. But who am I kidding?! I don’t like cities! I try to avoid them at all costs!
[Life Lesson #1: FOLLOW YOUR HEART]
A couple days before our long weekend for independent travel, I sat down, did some research, and ended up booking an Air BnB in Kincasslagh, County Donegal, Ireland.
And let me just say…this was hands down the best decision I could have made. I had a soul refreshing weekend spent interacting with locals and exploring the beautiful countryside of Ireland.
It’s incredible what happens when you listen to the calling inside of you.
[Life Lesson #2: LISTEN]
Whether it’s listening to your own heart and following it, or genuinely listening to other people’s life experiences, I cannot stress enough the importance of listening. I believe one of the keys to achieving true peace and justice in the world is listening. And let me be clear. It isn’t listening just to respond. It is actively listening with the sole purpose of listening to understand.
One of my favorite aspects of traveling is listening to the local people and hearing their stories. I’m so grateful I had the chance to stretch my comfort zone, travel outside of Derry, and get a feel for the Irish lifestyle.
By the end of the weekend, I felt more connected to myself and others. I had a renewed sense of joy and gratitude for this amazing world we live in and the people in it.
Which reminds me…have you ever heard of Irish generosity?
It’s a thing.
No joke, one night I went to a pub and walked away without paying a dime. The people I interacted with had such a profound sense of kindness in their hearts. Thanks to their generosity, I just had to pay for a taxi ride back to my Air BnB! So much to be thankful for! Which leads me to my next point:
[Life Lesson #3: PRACTICE GRATITUDE]
Intentionally practicing gratitude is one of the best things you can do for yourself and your life. There is so much to be thankful for, yet we don’t always take the time to stop and acknowledge it.
So to complete this blog post and my time here, I’ll write a list of a few things I’m grateful for:
- the opportunity to further my education abroad
- the ability to travel and explore new places
- my family, for their constant love and support, even from afar
- my friends, for understanding my desire to travel and willingness to pick up right where we left off
And so much more…
SOCI 387 Diversity, Conflict, and Peace in Northern Ireland 