⚠️Vulnerability Warning⚠️
Two days after my 14th birthday, I went on a 19 day trip across 4 countries with a group of kids from 3 different states, that I barely knew. I spent the whole time imagining living my life in another country.
So, for the majority of people that have known me since then, it probably wasn’t too much of a surprise when I suddenly moved to the Dominican Republic.
But it was a surprise to me😂Too many times in my life I have set my sights on something, and then talked myself out of it because I was afraid.
So as I prepared to move, foremost in my mind was everything I could lose. I agonized over the relationships I could lose. The time I would lose, and what I “should” be doing with it instead (going to school/working). Time with my family. Time that I could be using to advance my career.
And honestly? I have lost a lot.
I DID lose friends....but only the ones that needed to go anyway🤭
I lost my place in the rat race, working six days a week🥵
LOST THOSE COUNTRYSIDE ALLERGIES🤧
I lost (most of) my codependent tendencies😂
I lost the need for STUFF. I came with a suitcase and a carryon, and I’m fine without everything I left behind🥰
I lost the terrible relationship I had with food🤢
I lost the need for creamer in my coffee☕️
I lost the craving for validation from others✌🏽
I lost a worldview that was too often unconcerned by anything outside of small town USA🌎
I’ve lost toxic habits/relationships, insecurities, self doubt, and 15 lbs 😜
The day will come when I board a plane to go home. When that day comes, it will come with the peace of knowing everything I’ve gained. A new home, a family, friends. Relationships stronger than they’ve ever been: with God, with my family, and with people who have proven to be true friends.
Confidence in myself, my body, and TWO languages. Life experiences and growth I never would have found in a 9-5 office job or in a college classroom.
So if you read this far, here’s what I’m saying: do the thing. Do ALL the things. It’s okay to be afraid to take risks and pursue something meaningful, but you should be more afraid of staying where you are miserable. Don’t let fear hold you back. Life is happening NOW, it won’t wait for you.
Make sure you can say you chose your life, you didn’t just settle for it.
