Reflections on Leaving: London Through My Lens

In the historical year of 2020, amidst a world of change, I bid farewell to a city that had been my home for a decade—London. As I scrolled through my camera roll recently, one image lingered in my memory as the last photograph I took before leaving. This spot was my cherished corner of the city, a place where time seemed to pause and the bustling energy of London was both distant and intimately close.

Having lived in London for ten years, the city’s skyline became a familiar and comforting sight. However, I can’t help but wonder how it has transformed since I last wandered its streets. The thought fills me with both nostalgia and a deep sense of curiosity.

Now settled in Southern Europe, I find myself yearning for the vibrancy of London every single day. Part of me struggles to reconcile with the decision to leave, feeling at times as though a piece of myself remains back in that iconic city. The rich tapestry of experiences and memories I carry from London remains unmatched, shaping who I am today.

Yet, as I reflect, I gently remind myself of the reasons for this significant change. Life in Southern Europe, with its own unique charms and slower pace, offers different opportunities for growth and happiness. Although London will always hold a special place in my heart, I strive to embrace my new environment with the same love and appreciation I once held for my life in the UK.

So, while this might seem like a melancholic ramble, it is really a gentle exercise in acceptance and gratitude for the roads I’ve traveled and the experiences that have shaped my journey. Here’s to finding joy wherever we are, while carrying a piece of every place we’ve called home within us.