Do you remember the series finale of The Office (US) where Andy says "I wish there was a way to know you're in the good old days before you've actually left them"? That line has stuck with me ever since hearing it and I know that it's also a song, but heard it there first so it's just another thing from The Office for me.
What I love about that statement is how profound it is and that it resonates with everyone. It just articulates what you feel when you are flooded with beautiful memories and take a moment to be retrospective. It's the exact combination of words that best describes a chapter closing. And it's the phrase I always keep in mind in all aspects of my life.
When my masters experience was coming to a close, I had been doing a lot of reflection and I think I know how you know you're in the "good old days." And it's when you're able to be fully present and in the moment. Like not checking your phone for the time but instead looking at the sun's placement in the sky to know when to go to the next location. It's when you forget that thing you were worried or stressed about. It's when the vibes are too good that at any second you can burst out into tears - not because you never want to lose that feeling but because you just know everything is going to be alright. I think it's definitely hard to know that when you're not paying attention, but when you do, it's a complete game changer. But it's a shift in mindset, isn't it? It's taking the time to be aware and romanticizing your life. And ever since I've done that, life has been so much more fun.
As I write this, it's now been 2 months since I left my dream city - but it's better than that because it was my reality. I've said it a bunch of times already, but I truly had the absolute time of my life living that entire experience. And I can honestly say that I have no regrets coming out of it. I was sad to leave my London lifestyle, but I have this good feeling that I'll make a return in the near future.
And I say near future because it's getting to the point now where I'm starting to forget what it's like to live in London. Which isn't a bad thing at all because that means new memories are being made and new experiences are being had! But I still wanted to write this to say that I'm still very much in my London bag and am so fortunate for this chapter of my life.
*film photos by my friend, Freddie.
