Do you have a place that exists only faintly in your present memory but still carries a trail of your existence once upon a time? It may be a childhood home, a school you went to, a cafe you used to go after school… a place where when you do step foot in, all the nostalgia comes back.
In my case, Paris. A place known for romance, finding happiness, and beautiful parks. But in path that we crossed, it was of more cold winter nights, stalled bread, and failed tests. To summarise, it was some of my lowest days that I spent in this city.
But this is not a story about depressed times or how I regained confidence. Instead, I want to tab into the indescribable feeling of going back to someplace so distant yet so familiar. When I found my past textbooks in my old Paris apartment, it reminded me that I was once a student, one who read all day (yes, I love reading) and dreamt of the future. And the fashion sense I once thought was so cool still hanging in the closet.
And seeing all these sentiments reminded me of all the hard times with tears and fear but also how I was able to go against all that to become who I am today. I certainly miss the days when the biggest responsibility was to hand in essays on time, and that I spent all my time doing what I love, chasing what I adore, just following my heart, even when it was reckless.
Now, after I’ve finally set foot in the place that once presented so much discomfort, it’s not so scary anymore. Instead, it gave me hope that even at a low point, I can achieve and overcome anything. And how it sparked the desire that I can chase whatever dream I set my heart on. I once did, so can anyone else.