Pursuit of Happiness

It feels odd to be back in London after a year away. Rachel described it at one point as feeling like you've just come out of a coma and I have to say I know what she means. It's bizarre to walk the corridors I walked for the first two years of my university life once more but to look around me and see no familiar faces. It's weird sitting in the Waterfront bar and knowing that I'm not going to bump into friends or acquaintances because they've all graduated. Having said all that I do love being back. I think for the first time since I started uni in London I actually feel settled here. I love the house we're living in and I don't just feel like a student in London. This feels like real life, as strange as that sounds.

It has felt like a tumultuous few months since I left America, filled with highs and lows. Housing stresses, missing America and the loss of our family dog, Benji, all worked to making the last few months feel quite difficult. However, we also had an amazing family holiday in Mallorca and I got to watch Mum, Dad and Eds do the Great Salford Swim. It was amazing - they were amazing - and I'm not sure if I could have been more proud of them all if I'd tried. These were the types of things I'd missed in America and so I was pleased I was able to be here for them this year.

Ultimately, I still miss America a lot and I definitely hope to go back soon but I wouldn't exchange this year to be back there right now. When I was sad over the summer I kept thinking if I was back in America I'd be happy again. I heard an interesting quote recently which is "happiness is a mood, it's not a destination" and I think it's an important thing to try and remember. You're going to have highs and lows no matter where you are and nobody can be happy all the time. Whether I'm in America or the UK I have a lot of happiness in my life and for that I am definitely thankful.