If you asked me five years ago where I saw my life going, well, this wasn't it. I never thought I'd be virtually on my own, new job, new place, trying to make life work. Hell, a year ago, I would have called you crazy. Truth is, that's what life is. It's crazy and ever-changing and I'm still not sure if I'm prepared for it all, but you know, I'm making it.
See, life isn't always pretty. It's full of a million little choices. Sometimes they're beautiful, sometimes they're ugly, but they all form together to make something real. Something true. And no matter where you are in life, good or bad, you should be thankful for them. I mean, look at me.
A little over three months ago, I packed up over half of what I owned (thanks for keeping the rest at your house, Mama!) and moved approximately 724 miles away. Away from my parents, away from my sisters, niece and nephew, grandparents. Away from the only job I've ever had. Away from my home. And for what? Because you know that's the question I'm always asked nowadays: Why?
Because I moved to a tiny town in Sterns County Minnesota to know my family. To find my roots. To go on an adventure. I'm living on the same farm Daddy and his brothers were raised on. I go to the same church my grandparents were married in, and learning more about my family than I could have ever imagined. It's amazing. Minnesota's gorgeous, and though it's been scary leaving my Indiana home, I'm happy here.
I thought, after the first couple weeks, that maybe I'd made a mistake. What if I couldn't make it? What if I never found a job? What if I fell flat on my face with no one to pick me up? But then I realized: look at how much I've accomplished. I'm not sure anyone believed I'd make the trip. Me: the dreamer. The girl given to flights of fancy. But here I am, working at the local gas station to pay the bills, staying with my cousin and his wife and their three kids while I save up money for my own place. Even found me a man who treats me like I'm a princess.
I've told him on multiple occasions I'm definitely not ladylike enough for that, but I digress.
The point of this story: Life is never simple. And leaving is never, ever easy, but sometimes you have to go out on a limb and go to find out what you can do. A wise man once said:
"It's a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door. You step onto the road, and if you don't keep your feet, there's no knowing where you might be swept off to."
Wise words from Bilbo Baggins, my friend. Completely true, as well. Five years ago I'd never imagine such an adventure. But then again, I also thought I'd finish college, never lose friends, and hate shrimp forever. Dreams change. I may never has seen Minnesota as home, but now?
I can't imagine life without.
~LB
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