LOST IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION

This past weekend I took a trip to Windsor to visit the famous Windsor Castle. I’m actually quite surprised it’s taken me this long to see my first castle in the United Kingdom, but it happened nonetheless. It was another gorgeous afternoon. The sun was shining and the contrast of the bright castle walls against the sparkling blue sky was enough to make me want to purchase the full entrance into the castle with audio tour included. So that is just what I did. 

It didn’t take long for me to fall in love with this castle. You could feel the history and set yourself hundreds of years in the past as you walked the grounds. But only half the beauty was the exterior. Once inside the walls of the castle, you are able to walk through each study, great hall, and bedroom once inhabited by royalty. Unfortunately photography was not permitted indoors.

But guys, the interior of this place was incredible. And the best part about being in this part of the world is that all of it is the real deal. It isn’t recreated space or replicas of any kind. 

^ i was also able to witness a changing of the guards in the upper ward! 

I eventually found myself wandering the grounds without paying attention to which ward or area of the castle I was heading towards. I found myself at a dead end which actually lead me to a pretty fantastic view of the city of Windsor. I didn’t mind in that moment that I was in no particular ‘destination’ of the castle, but instead on the outskirts a bit. Once inside the castle, I again found myself lost in a corridor and not sure which hallway lead to the exit. I didn’t worry however because I was surrounded by amazing tapestry and intricate ceilings. 

Yes, I was lost. But I was lost in a castle. On a Sunday afternoon. In England. 

It wasn’t a bad place {of all the places in the world} to be lost. And eventually I knew I would realize how to get myself out. And that’s, quite simply, my view on life in general at the moment.

I’m lost in the right direction.

I think ladies my age {mid 20’s officially, ah 25 is around the corner} put copious amounts of pressure on themselves to have it all figured out at this point in our lives. I can include myself in this to a certain extent. I compare myself and my accomplishments to others around me. 

But something I’ve realized in the last year or so, is that you can’t compare your idea of success and accomplishment with another. I know people my age that earn six figure salaries and are networking with the best of them. I have friends that are married and expecting their first child. And some expecting their second. I’m surrounded by plenty of people lacking student loans, living in apartments in San Francisco, and happy.

And here I have quit my job, extracted my savings, and decided to travel the world.

I have a budget that I pray will take me through the next 9+ months. I have plane tickets to multiple locations in the world at different time of the year, but no stability of a set itinerary. I still have a student loan and monthly car payments. And no job to come home to when it’s all over and done with.

But I am absolutely okay with that. 

We are all a little lost. But I am lost in the right direction.

I have never felt more confident, secure, and happy with myself than I do at this moment. By no means has it been a smoothly paved road that has lead me here. The potholes have included doubting my character, experiencing heartbreak, living with the reality of having a few dollars to my name, losing friendships once cherished, settling into a comfort zone, and much more. 

But regardless, I am moving in the right direction.

Travel is the only type of chaos that can bring me peace. 

I don’t have it all figured out. I don’t know if I ever will. But I am surrounding myself with people and places that bring me joy. I have rid myself of negative energy and people that make me feel like a lesser version of myself. I am a much more honest person. 

I became aware of what would make me feel accomplished, successful, and at peace and I bought a plane ticket. 

I don’t have a six figure income, I don’t have a fiancé or a baby, and I’ll be paying my student loan for the next ten years. But I’m happy. And I am hopeful for the future. I look forward to what is next. I welcome the opportunity to make a life for myself wherever I end up am. After all, life isn’t about arriving at a destination but enjoying the journey.

Cue “Growing Up” by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis feat. Ed Sheeran.

I ended my tour of the castle and had some time before I had to catch my train back to London. I explored the charming streets of Windsor and felt as though it was a very underrated town in terms of what I had been told. Which wasn’t much.

I had been told I must stop by the Fudge Kitchen so I took a peek inside to see what all the fuss was about. I was greeted with a free sample of the best fudge I had ever tasted by a quirky man with a twisted mustache and fedora. He led me and the rest of the curious tourists to the back room where he demonstrated, alongside a fellow employee, the process of making the fudge.  

^ sooooooo delicious 

^ how much for that dog in the window?

but really, how much?

I ended the evening walking alongside the water with a cuppa coffee and the company of a dozen plus swans. A day like this is my definition of accomplishment and success.

What: Windsor Castle, The Fudge Kitchen

When: March 2016

Where: Windsor

How: Tube to Waterloo Station, Southwest Train to Windsor & Eaton Riverside Station