Losing Myself, Finding Myself (Again and Again)

I moved across the country at 45 — from Oregon back to North Carolina.

The first time I moved across the country I was 31.

I moved from North Carolina to Oregon.

I stayed for 14 years living a life of my dreams.

My dreams changed though.

One day, all I wanted was to go home. Back to the state that shaped me. Back to the people who know me best. Back to my roots.

It’s been almost two years since the move back was made. Since I drove away from one dream to begin another.

It’s undoubtedly been one of the most intense experiences of my life.

It’s challenged me, taught me, broke me, and built me back up again.

My mental health suffered but is now better than ever.

My marriage suffered but is now stronger than ever.

My finances suffered but are now coming back in new and surprising ways.

When they say what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, they’re not kidding. It really does.

When we face adversity, we’re forced to be flexible, adapt, and discover strength we didn’t know we had.

Both cross country moves forced all of that, but the second move pushed the boundaries of comfort to unexpected levels— losing and finding myself more times than I wish to count.

But, I’ve become more accepting, more trusting, more aligned.

These unexpected areas of growth have made my life immeasurably better.

I thought my life would be better because of other things. External things. But it’s the internal changes that have been most impactful. It’s those changes that I can take with me anywhere, anytime and rely on to get me through.

That’s incredible.

It’s in acceptance, trust, and alignment that I find peace with exactly where I am. Right now.

We all make moves — across states, across seasons of life, across versions of ourselves. None of them are easy. But each one teaches us something about who we are, brings us closer to our hearts.

I’m living an adventure. As we all are. Sometimes the path is smooth and the direction clear. Sometimes the path is rocky and uncertain. But it’s always taking you exactly where you need to be.

Where has your path taken you?

• Have you ever made a big move — across places, seasons, or versions of yourself? What did it teach you?

• When you think of your own “roots,” where do you feel most at home — in a place, with people, or within yourself?

• What unexpected areas of growth have made your life immeasurably better?

Let me know. I’d love to learn more about your adventure.

And, wherever your are, may you find peace and happiness.

Sending love.