I'm going to study in... ITALY

That's right! I've been accepted into a winter semester (well summer in Europe) intensive program at Monash's Prato Campus, Italy!!

This is something I've wanted to do since first year so I am beyond excited!! It's an amazing opportunity as it's an intensive program so it's not a big commitment as is the case with regular study abroad programs. I'm also very lucky to be going with two close friends.

We leave in just under a month! I can't wait to get there. Looking through images of this breathtaking country...

MUSIC OF THE MOMENT: Angus & Julia Stone

Earlier this week, Angus and Julia Stone released their first track since as far back as 2010 as part of an album coming out in August. 

I for one, could not be happier to have new music from one of Australia's most iconic and successful musicians - also one of my absolute favourite bands of all time..

This first track is more upbeat than we're used to from the folk duo, but the touch of electro blues is a welcome change and I am loving the track!

Heart Beats Slow is an absolute must listen to! Check it out.

A NEW LIFE BALANCE

A new lease on life. It's amazing how sometimes, out of nothing, due to no big event, something inside us can change, a switch can flick, and our entire outlook on life changes. 

This very thing happened to me some months ago. I don't remember when exactly, but it was sometime after returning from a trip to the United States. 

I felt a renewed but far more powerful respect for my body and our planet. Like most people growing up around a media awash with the objectification of bodies and socially constructed norms and gender expectation, I have always struggled with aspects of my body to varying degrees. For some reason though, I now have the deepest respect and understanding for the marvel and amazingness that is the human body and everything it can achieve. It is our sole vessel in life after all. Our true home. To not respect the only thing that carries us around, are sole reason for being, is baffling to me. 

Similarly, it bewilders me how we can treat our planet so poorly. Just like our bodies, it is our one shot for this life. Surely it ought to receive the upmost respect and kindest treatment for that reason?

As a result of these revelations, I must admit I feel so much happier in life and I have a much clearer outlook. I am no longer terrified about my career and whether my degree was the right choice (well, I still have occasional moments of panic, but don't we all!). I have a clear sense of being and understanding which is hugely refreshing. 

This journey has just begun, but I'm beyond excited to see where it takes me...