Happy 1st Birthday, Adelante!

While I've been casually yet noncommittally blogging for a few years now, one year ago today I created this space as a creative outlet and a way to document my upcoming adventures as an expat in Spain. While I never had big expectations for my blog, this little corner of the internet has blessed me in many surprising ways.

Through this blog I've been able to reinvigorate my passion for writing. I've harbored a love for writing my entire life, but I've always felt too nervous to share mine with the world. By challenging myself to write consistently on this blog, I've learned to be a bit more fearless. Spilling your words out onto paper (or in this case, a computer screen) inevitably lets out a more vulnerable side of who you are, and sometimes it's scary to show that side to an anonymous public. Letting go of that fear has been a profound growing experience for me, both as an aspiring writer and as a 20-something trying to navigate this chaotic world.

I'm also grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the blogging community and connect with some truly incredible individuals. In fact, I've met several of my good friends here in Madrid through blogging, and it's partially their fault that I'm having so much fun here and have committed to staying a second year. Having blogger friends equals having fellow adventure buddies, which means that there's never a dull moment (or an empty stomach) when we're together.

While I would have never guessed what kind of doors this blog would open, I'm excited to see what opportunities another year will bring - whether that be more personal growth, new friendships or possible career opportunities. But as many of you may already know, the title of my blog Adelante means to go forward or ahead, so that's exactly what I plan on doing as I embark on another year of expat life in Madrid.