Storming the Bastille

Shocking, but I didn't know what Bastille Day meant until exactly one year ago when Honfluer enlightened me with its fireworks and dance party.

On July 14th, 1789, Parisians stormed the Bastille prison...setting the French Revolution and the fall of Louis XVI into motion. And so today is celebrated in remembrance of French Independence, as well as the 'emergence' of Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity.

On a more personal note, Bastille Day is a celebration of my own independence.

As I look back on the last two years with clarity only hindsight can provide, I've found my trip to France was really a turning point. Before stepping on the plane, life had been tumultuous and I left Seattle as a girl unsure of my future or what to make of the last year's transition. Moving from one city to another, one school to another, was difficult without the activities and people I had defined myself by. I had to say goodbye to my leadership positions, my dance team, my varsity cross country spot, my church family, my boyfriend, and all the plans and ideas I had based on them. And without those things was I really that great or special?

I overanalyzed. I withdrew. I wrestled with my changing foundations for almost an entire year.

But France changed that. It not only gave me perspective and closure on a few issues, but also the most amazing friends I could ask for, and re-directed purpose. It was France (the language, the culture, the history, the people, and the classes I took) which opened my eyes to things I want to continue to pursue like French, Political Science, and traveling the world.

It also reaffirmed my own identity. I remembered the strong, adventurous individual I am without needing anything to cling to in order to remind me of it.

And so, this Bastille Day is nothing like the last (read last year's here)...with the exception of Brittany Harwell and a two-hour French class. But it marks a year of learning, of happiness, and of progress.

Bonne journee.

"Paris is notorious for its love affairs. And though I'm in the city of lights alone, I've rediscovered I love myself"


Currently listening to: West Coast by Coconut Records
Au Revoir!

xoxo
Caitlin
caitlinboyd72@gmail.com