As my “one year” anniversary of moving to California approaches, I can’t help but sit here and reflect on this 29th year of my life. My friend (you know who you are) sent me a “Positive Affirmation” the other morning. Anyone who has known me for awhile , probably understands that this would likely be something I’d make fun of in the past. But, after not just reading, but truly contemplating what she wrote … I have to tell you, it put me in the mood to conquer my day with both grace and resilience. She wrote, “I am brave. I moved across the country to start a new life for me and Huey. I should be proud of myself.” We are all guilty of not giving ourselves enough credit from time to time. At that moment , I needed that affirmation and it set my mind straight. Thanks, friend ;).

People often assume I was running away from something, but in my mind I was running toward something … I just wasn’t sure what it was yet. I’m still not entirely sure, but I know I don’t regret it. It felt right then, and it feels right now. I had faith and I’m glad I did. On social media we often only see the good parts of people’s lives. It’s super filtered, no pun intended. However , I’m aiming to give an all encompassing view of my move thus far. There’s days I miss my family , my friends and even the city I grew to both love and hate. But, I believe that’s a natural part of change. Usually, when I’m feeling that way I take a ride along the coast and I literally say (sometimes aloud) I can’t believe this is my home. I’m surrounded by such beauty every day and a simple drive is a great reminder of how blessed I am for having the courage to take this leap.

I’m a firm believer that there is not a standard road map to success or happiness in this life. I also believe it’s hard to know what truly makes you tick if you aren’t brave enough to leave your comfort zone from time to time. When I got in my Jeep that morning to start my 42 hour trek with Huey (couldn’t have done it without you, buddy!) I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a bit scared. Okay, maybe more than a bit. But it also tested my strength and made me feel more alive than I had in a very long time. In my mind, failure wasn’t an option. Even if I felt frightened by the unknown, I simultaneously felt an incredible amount of drive to succeed in San Diego. It’s no secret my father is one of my favorite people on the planet. After I made it safely to my new home and landed a new job rather quickly , he wrote me a message to let me know how proud he was of me. I thank God every day for giving me parents that I want to make proud. It pushes me to be my best self.

Sometimes difficult things make the most profound impact on our lives. People often say, I could never make that trip alone. My response is, I didn’t think I could either. And here I am. So give yourself more credit. We have a natural tendency for self doubt, and mindset can have a tremendous impact on our goals. Start believing in yourself and see the results. So, I’ll leave you with a positive affirmation of my own. That chance you’re considering taking could change your life in more ways than you can count. Take it. Grow into who you’re supposed to be. Independence is beautiful and strength is often acquired through the uncomfortable . Be brave and be you.

Cheers to many more years in San Diego..

Love and Light,
Meyer’s Grace

“The secret of change is to focus all of your energy, not on fighting the old, but building the new.” – Socrates