What I did this summer and what I learned along the way

A few months ago I moved to a new city where I didn’t know anyone, over a thousand miles from where I’ve spent the last 30 years of my life and far away from my kids for the first time ever. I was so excited for this new chapter, an empty nest, a fresh start, living on my own for the first time ever! And it was so much harder than I thought it would be.

I welcomed in the challenge and knew it would be a huge opportunity for growth (I’m kind of a nerd about seeking out challenges and things like that) but it was a still SO much harder than I expected.

I’ve learned a lot about myself in these months, some things that I love, some things I’m growing through and a few things about myself that I never saw coming and hope I don’t see again.

I’ve experienced pretty much the full spectrum of feelings and emotions: joyful, lonely, excited, terrified, anxious, peaceful, guilt, courage, fear, belonging, powerful, alone, encouraged, disappointed, and on and on. High highs and low lows, sometimes even at the same time.

I’ve reconnected with my core values and recognized that when things are really tough and confusing and I felt stuck, it was usually when I wasn’t living and making choices that are in alignment with my core values.

I’ve recommitted to a consistent mediation, prayer, and journaling practice. I’ve learned to trust in the flow of the universe and to allow myself to be open to unexpected possibilities. I’ve learned to let go of trying to know what’s going to happen.

I’ve learned that being alone is not the same thing as being lonely,

I’ve realized that I have spent a lot of time doing things for or to impress other people and I didn’t even know it. Being in a situation (living alone, working for myself from home) where no one may even notice or care what I do or don’t do on a daily basis has allowed me to begin to tap into an inner resource of motivation and self-compassion that helps me know that ME noticing and being proud of myself is enough.

I’ve also learned that even shy introverts need connection. And while I’m grateful that connection can be through a text message from a thousand miles away, there’s nothing like real, in person, human connection with people who see you for who you really are.  

In the next few weeks I’ll be sharing more about what I’ve learned through my experiences, how using self-regulation tools like meditation, breath work and journaling have helped, and how getting outside support, taking action, being of service and building connection have all played a part in me feeling at peace in my new home.

I hope my experiences remind you that even when it feels like it, you're never alone. I'm right there with you, using and sharing all the resources I have to navigate through life as gracefully as possible. ❤️