Nine Years

I have a "friend" who, year after year, reposts this "memories" picture of us when it pops up on Facebook, commemorating the anniversary of my moving away gathering. No big deal if I didn't look like fucken Quasimodo in that bitch, LOL. I was approaching the heaviest I have ever been, I was in a dress that did me absolutely no favors, and my leg is twisted in a position on the bar stool foot rod that made me look...afflicted. With something. I'm convinced that is the sole reason she keeps posting it. Every. Year. She ready in that picture, getting her whole pop star on, while I look like the Make-A-Wish kid she came to surprise, LOL. There's a lot of backstory as to why I'm of that opinion, but I won't get into all that. I don't even know why I'm talking about it, except for the fact that I found myself chuckling about it on my way home from work. Some things never change.

What I actually came in here to talk about is that relocation. Today makes nine years since my move and when I realized it this morning, I became a bit overwhelmed. It only seems like it's been that long when I think back on all the visits back over the years. The numerous jobs that I've had since I've been here. The dating - OH, the dating. Jesus. But what made me so emotional is the fact that I am still here. I obviously didn't uproot my entire life with the intent of it not working out, but I've been through some thangs, Chile, and one or two of them stretches could have easily landed me back at my mama's house. Y'all know about my mama - NOBODY would have wanted that LOL.

People thought I had lost my mind when I up and decided to take this leap of faith. I can't say I really blame them - from decision to execution, it all happened within a span of like 3 weeks. As much as I want to say it wasn't an easy decision to make, it absolutely was. It was necessary, and it was time. I was in a place in my life where if I didn't do something different, I was going to self-destruct. I saw it coming. In fact, it had already begun. I believe a lot of the people there who used to be rock stars and are now looking like they've been rode hard and hung up wet are in that state because they didn't recognize that it was time to get the fuck out of there, or they did recognize it but didn't have the courage, and the town ate their asses up. I didn't want that for myself. I didn't want that for my kids. I had to try. As soon as I got a taste of the freedom this move afforded me, I knew I could never go back. Even in my broke (and broken) times, I felt free. When there was no one to call, I felt free. When I had to figure shit out, I felt free. It was in those times that I most felt my life could be of my own design. When you have nothing to lose, you have everything to gain. I'm so happy I didn't give up. I really want to encourage anyone contemplating a fresh start to TAKE. THAT. LEAP. Oftentimes, the risk is nothing compared to the reward. Imagine the possibilities!

Imagine!

I just wanted to take a moment to reflect out loud on the journey. It's been tough at times - know that - but I wouldn't change it for the world.

Go be great.