Max's Pre-departure Prep!

As I prepare to study in a foreign country for six weeks, I have compiled some of my must-haves and must-do's that should help me to stay focused and retain positive energy for this opportunity! 
 

Starting with My Must-Haves:

• Gameboy 
  I had been interested in a gameboy for days/nights when I cannot satisfy my gaming itch digitally, so I have an offline method of playing games. My ex-partner thought to gift me this when we were together, so to honor the love we shared and my love for videogames, I thought to bring it for my 15 hours of transformative travel.
  The only positive limitation is that all the games are retro and with nothing but time to spare during my layovers, I will use that time to be acquainted with that era!
• Travel Adapter!!
  I had heard of other countries having different types of voltage, but as I did not expect to receive this opportunity this early in life, I did not feel compelled to get a universal adapter until now. Since I will be doing schoolwork consistently, I need consistent power! So, this was certainly a must-have.
• Passport!! 
  I would hate to pack until my luggage zippers gnaw at the seams just to forget about the one thing that allows me into Europe! My mother went through great strife to make sure i had a passport before our family cruise to Mexico (that I only saw one port stop of) so it is an irrevocable honor to make sure i never lose it or it stays with my mom lol.
• Disinfectant Wipes!!
  There are many illnesses among us and they are only going to disguise themselves more amidst our bustling travel. So we should habitually disinfect the areas we come into contact with to ensure we are not spreading germs and germs aren’t spreading to us! A mask is encouraged to take as well when encountering potential places with contaminated air.
• Snacks
  No one wants to be anywhere hungry especially when enduring the stressors of traveling. I tend to shop at Dollar Tree for cost-friendly snacks.
• Refillable Water Bottle 
  STAY HYDRATED, PLEASE. NON-NEGOTIABLE.

Must Do's:

• Meditate
  Yes. I want to take 30 minutes a day to walk or practice mindfulness in body and spirit. If I do not end those 30 minutes feeling self-assured, I have more practice to do! I try to ground myself in what will matter to me most today and for years to come? For those 30 minutes.
• Stay Focused
  I tend to get distracted with miscellaneous entertainment if my main activity causes me boredom or fatigue. I can do hard things because I have done them before, so I will alter my environment, posture, and mindset however necessary! I may play my gameboy for a few minutes to lower cortisol, but I cannot abandon the reasons for why I am there! So, I intend to stay focused and remember that in finishing my work, it doesn’t have to finish me lol.

-MAX.