As summer draws to a close, I can’t help but reflect on the past season – the hardest season of life I/we have gone through and I’m sure it won’t be the last. A season that was full of change, challenge, stress, sadness, and longing for routine, normalcy, and familiarity. I spent much time missing my Nashville home and family, my actual family in Phoenix, and Grant as he was gone more weeks than home. I have tears in my eyes as I write this thinking about my sweet girls and the memories Grant and made on almost every street in Nashville. The place our story began will always have a large part of my heart and will forever impact my life.
Moving is never easy (no matter your age – hi, mom!). It takes courage, strength, and bravery to land in a new city and make it home. As someone who expects things to settle instantly, this has absolutely been the best lesson in patience and letting things happen naturally. As much as I try to make lists and plan the logistics and details for everything, there are some things you just can’t plan. I expected to know where I was going, have a bunch of friends, and feel completely comfortable in about a week. Surprise! That did NOT happen nor has it truly happened. I still rely about 95% on GPS and have maybe 3 people I feel comfortable calling if I need anything. Feeling at home is something that will never happen instantly and I’m starting to feel okay with that.
But you know what? We made it. Fall starts TOMORROW. My favorite season. The three months I look forward to most every year. I am a firm believer that everything in life happens for a reason and this is no different. I am incredibly humbled by the kindness people have shown us, the strength, resilience, and independence I’ve had to rely on, and the power of love. I am stronger, more determined, and incredibly more compassionate as a result of this change. I’ve had more time to reflect on life throughout the past season than I think I’ve ever had in all my years combined… which is NOT my thing. But I’m learning to make it a thing and see the value in looking back to truly comprehend how far we have come and grown. WHAT A RIDE.
It’s easy to focus on what HASN’T happened or how HARD it has been. But let’s not forget about all of the wonderfully amazing things that happened in the past 4 months! What would my blog post be without a nice, organized list?!
Most of all, we took a deep breath and just decided to live our life. No plans to make any crazy changes (for the foreseeable future) and to simply make the most out of each day. We wake up and choose joy. Choose happiness. Life is simply too short to focus on what isn’t perfect or what we wish we could change. My goal for fall? To make each day golden and to live life to the absolute fullest.
Thank you ALL for your support on this adventure. I couldn’t do it without each one of you!
xo
May 2016 Review | June 2016 Review | July 2016 Review | August 2016 Review
2 Comments
It’s officially FALL!!! I can’t even imagine what kind of beauty and Magic you will get to see in Minnesota! Send some my way 💕 So proud of you and excited for all that is to come in this season for you and Grant. Praying for you! Xo
I totally get it!! Moving away from everything you know is so hard but I truly believe it’s making us stronger, more independent, and providing us time to build a strong marriage. We will look back on this time and realize it was a true blessing in disguise