For some reason, every time I arrive in Paris I feel a little melancholy. Once I get in to Paris and arrive at the apartment where I'll be for two weeks, I first unpack everything and then go for a walk. I like to breathe in the cool Parisian air, smell the city,and study my neighborhood. I do all this just so I can feel comfortable in Paris again. I was in Florence for three weeks to get my life back in order and to get used to living alone again. It was the perfect amount of time for me to get settled in before taking off again. It was almost as if I wasn't supposed to get too comfortable or get stuck into any routine before returning to Paris.

A month ago, I was sitting in the emergency room of a Parisian hospital waiting to get my newly sprained ankle looked at. I sat there in shock. I hadn’t hurt my body bad enough to have to go to a hospital in over 13 years. I had already cried before I arrived at the hospital, but was still feeling sad at the thought that I might not be running for a while and wondered if I hurt it so bad that I wouldn’t be able to run ever again. The longer I sat in the waiting room, the sadder I got. I had a half-marathon planned two weeks later, which I knew I would have to cancel no matter what.

With the many small changes I made in my life over the last year and a half, I made only one significant one that everyone noticed. Many of my friends said that I ended a chapter and am starting a new one, but for me, I feel as if I have ended one book of my life and am starting an entirely new one. As a part of my new life, I have decided to travel more, see more of Italy and the world, enjoy each day I wake up to, and embrace new experiences.

For me, the summer months in Florence entice me to step back a little and just take in each day as it comes. I find myself strolling instead of rushing down the narrow streets with the warm air brushing against my face. I find it a challenge to be productive this time of year. I can look out at the Arno and the low hillside across from my apartment and get lost in the soft colors and shapes of the buildings, trees, and grass.