OCD GETS VISUAL

In preparation for my time in Denmark, I wanted to enjoy the planning portion before I actually got there. I read an article a while ago that suggested that we're happier in the long run if we plan a trip in advance instead always jetting off at the drop of a hat. While there's something to be said for spontaneity, having time to look forward to this coming semester has made me all the more ready to go.

I suspect that this theory is why Pinterest is so addicting. I created a board to start stockpiling ideas and images of things I wanted to see and places I wanted to go.

(productive procrastination, right?)

For me, creating this visual collage of what I want to do while abroad has genuinely helped me get excited. As much as I'm looking forward to calling Denmark my home, I've been having some serious bouts of FOMO and general nervousness. Of my close group of friends, half of us are going abroad. I like the fall semester at Georgetown more than the spring: the energy of everyone coming back in August, Halloweekend (which is a huge deal in DC), the holiday season leading up to Christmas...it's hard not to think about what I'll be missing when I haven't gotten a taste of what's to come.

Scrolling through my extensive visualization of all the cool things I will get to experience has also helped me focus on what I want do most while in Denmark. Art museums and architectural hot spots on high on my list along with exploring outdoorsy attractions and lesser known countries (mainly the Balkan peninsula). Once I'm settled in across the pond I'm sure there will be plenty of chances for spontaneous Euro-tripping but until then, I'll settle for carefully curating a visual bucket list.