Exactly 6 months ago today, I was on my way to Riga, Latvia, to start my first experience abroad, my first experience living alone, my first experience away from everything and everyone I knew. And it didn’t even feel strange.
I was welcomed here with open arms, very shy smiles and a lot of generosity.
In Latvia, I met the most supportive and kind people that exist, experienced the most beautiful Autumn of my life and finally figured out what to do next. Thank you.
As far as I can remember, I’ve always wanted to leave.
There’s something exciting about having to start everything over.
I left for Latvia already thinking of coming back home.
Except it didn’t mean I wasn’t happy I had left.
In Latvia, I made a scary decision I knew I had to make for years.
In Latvia I decided I was going to do filmmaking.
It was 2am and for a few minutes, everything seemed clear, simplified.
In Latvia, I met people.
Those people extended the idea I had of myself, of who I can be.
They gave me more than I would ever have asked for.
I understood home is more of an energy than a place.
People make home feel like home.
I once said,
The more you leave your house the more houses you find.
And this I believe in.
I understood I don’t only like the sun
but I need the sun.
Watching people play music makes me feel alive.
Breathing freely doesn’t only depend on the quality of the air.
Leaving doesn’t solve your problems when your problems are in your head.
You can’t leave your head.
I understood some problems don’t have to be solved right away.
I’d be fine, anywhere, with anyone.
Some people made it more than fine though.
I am grateful I happened to cross paths with those faces,
those laughs,
those voices,
And to you,
reading this,
I would say,
Leave.
Maya
www.MAYAAA.ch
