Familiar Comforts

Everyone has a list of comforts they keep close to them for times of need. I never realized how important these things were until I was separated by an ocean from everything I knew. I used to take comfort in regular visits from my parents when I played at Kentucky. If not that I could simply turn to close friends I'd known for years for the support I needed. As my original plan of one year abroad turned into multiple years, I have had to find comfort in other things when my people aren't around.

I've developed a list of things I can bring to keep me company and make home feel a little closer. I've learned to take comfort in a familiar mug of my favourite tea, crammed between socks and shirts into my two suitcases containing my whole life. I find happiness on a road trip pulling on the cheerfully coloured socks my dear friend Heather painstakingly dyed and knit for me. On cold, dark winter days, which are plentiful in Poland, I can cuddle up in a hug from my Zia (Italian aunt) by donning the cozy, chunky sweater she made me. While I love and appreciate my band-aid solutions to life alone in a foreign country, nothing will ever compare to having the people I miss with me.

On the most depressing days it's easy to remain in your apartment and binge on Netflix. I've found that this is a recipe for disaster. When all else fails I simply need to peel myself from my bed. Replace the sweats with "normal" clothes and make the 5 minute trek to the nearest coffee shop. The greatest comfort I find overseas is consuming some good Java with a slice of cake and watching the local people. Occasionally I'll hear English and awkwardly start a conversation. Sometimes I can be found walking aimlessly for hours around town weaving between people on the busy streets and slowly coming back to life.

I would never want to complain about being overseas as its a blessing that I am able to pursue my passion while experiencing so many wonderful places. But just like being at home in -30 degree weather, it isn't always rainbows and butterflies. I am grateful for the little bits of happiness that get me through the tough days and I am thankful that there are very few.