Phase I to Phase II of Moving to Austin

Oh, the timing of it all... It would be so much easier for me to leave Illinois during the cold, bleak, dead winter months. Holding the resentment of my husband's lost employment... the bitterness of an area that could not support his talents and our career ambitions.  A place so cold that caused tension and pain in my body that made me cranky.

And I had to leave first - for some reason.  Yes, I found an employer providing me a better position, higher pay and better benefits while moving Chad to a city with far more opportunities in his industry (art and graphic design).  Yet, if he had moved before Hope and I, it would have been more obvious to blame him for this relocation, for uprooting our family and separating us from all that we love and enjoy.  This major shift in all our lives.

We have to do this as a team.  We need to support each other.  We must support one another in the transition.  It has actually been crucial for me to make the move first so that I could begin the second phase as a better, stronger, healthier version of myself - my ultimate self.

Just over fifty days, and I do not feel I am "there" quite yet - but I am learning, realizing, that maybe I won't ever get "there."  Perhaps I will remain a work in progress for all of my existence.  But as long as I am on the right track and stick to it, I think that's what matters. 

When I think about others I admire, I rarely respect people who have had everything handed to them.  I look up to the fighters - the ones who not only rose to challenges but continue to pull themselves back up, time and time, after every fall.  Those who continue driven to get what they want and push themselves toward what they want.

Those who, through their hard work, show gratitude for their opportunities, battles and even what appear to be "failures," and keep working to be their best.
 
That is ultimately what I want.  While this move has been so difficult, emotionally, physically, financially, and while I also understand I am still far from finished, my only regret is that I didn't take that First Step years ago.  But then, there are so many amazing, important, fun people that I have been blessed and honored to meet.  And, maybe I would not have the amount of appreciation for all of this that I am currently overtaken with at times.  Life can be a struggle, but oh my, it can have so much enjoyment, too!

First Time: AUS to ORD

Though it has only been one month, I actually don't like leaving Austin.  My extremely dear and fabulous friend Kelly told me that I am falling in love with this city... and I am. 
While I want so very, very much to be with my friends and family, I feel a connection to Austin that I cannot shake.
On the plane, I am looking through my "100 things to do" and tearing up because I am not there. So weird!!  This place wasn't even truly on my radar last spring, and now, I have a bond with this town. 
I guess it's the same with people- we are all just roaming around the planet... when we actually bump into someone and react with a "Hey! You are cool - how can I get to know you better?!" reaction, why the heck wouldn't we follow it?
People seem so scared to try things - so set in their Comfort Zones.  This is your one life, people -- make it YOURS.
Maybe you don't have to uproot and move a few hours away, but for the sake of everything, DO what you fear.  Tell people you care.  Apply for that job.  Sing in your car when a song you love plays.
I am not talking about a strong effort to change the world - I am encouraging you to upgrade your own environment.... and ya know, if enough of us do that, it WILL change the world.
Change... without fear. What does that look like to you?  It looks pretty kick ass to me.