Last September I visited my father in Charleston, South Carolina after he had transferred there for work. Not knowing a thing about the Holy city, I packed my bags for a week-long vacation in the southern heat. I was looking forward to exploring, relaxing, and making impressions in the sand. Little did I know Charleston would make a bigger impression in my heart. I left knowing I would be back soon, and most likely for good.
It took me a good six months to decide I was going to make the move. Needless to say, it was one of the hardest decisions I have ever made. I was born and raised in Rochester Hills, Michigan and attended college in the same town (go OU). My entire family lived within an approximate 20 mile radius of each other. I had incredible friends there, most of whom have been in my life since grade school. That kind of friendship is hard to come by. I spent nearly a quarter of my life in the same town, and as much as I loved the place it was time for a change of scenery and an experience outside of my comfort zone. Charleston was calling and I had to go.
So I made a list, and lost it. I remade that list of things to-do nearly fifty times; it was the only way I could wrap my head around the move. I think the logistics of it scared me more than anything, and the only way to get past that was writing the words down. Moving isn't cheap, or easy. I think one of the biggest stressors I had was determining what size truck to rent. My head couldn't visualize all of the stuff I owned... should I get the 12 footer or the 16? Should I drive my car down, or tow it? In the end, I rented a 10" U-Haul and a tow dolly for my car. I sold, or threw out everything I didn't need and packed everything I couldn't part with. Thankfully my dad helped me get through it all. He flew into Detroit on Thursday, picked up the truck and we packed it Friday morning, and he drove it the whole way down. I had to slap him a couple of times and sing at the top of my lungs to keep him awake, but he managed well.
Moving to Charleston has been one of the most amazing experiences of my life. I have only been down here for one month and have already made some wonderful friends. I was lucky to be able to transfer my position to the store down here, which has allowed me to explore downtown and make connections in the city. I am slowly but surely getting accustomed to the roads, but hope I will never become accustomed to the views. I am constantly in awe of how beautiful Charleston is and I look forward to exploring and learning more about this place.
Whatever you are longing to do, do it! There is never a good time, or an easy time for anything. I moved one week before my brothers wedding in Asheville, North Carolina; I moved at the start of a Michigan Summer (my favorite time of year); I left my job when we were thriving in sales. We only have one shot at this life, so we better listen to our hearts. Don't short yourself of an adventure because it's convenient.
"Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing at all."
- Helen Keller
If you are wanting to make a move or go on an adventure somewhere, I strongly encourage you to do so! I am here for you if you have any questions or just want to chat about your ideas and aspirations. Please send me some a message in the contact section of the About Me page.
