Moving On

I realized that I never updated on this blog as to what I was going to do next. I had a few weeks of intense anxiety and worry and tears over what the heck I was going to do and where I was going to go. Mostly where I was going to live. I had already decided that I was going to move back to Utah. I was planning on driving back over from Tennessee after Christmas because my brother and dad were driving out there anyway. Then I went to my friend Ruth's house and we were talking and she said, "I'm just going to be really honest with you right now. You are too brave to move back to Utah." (I'll explain what she meant in a second).

Basically I was just planning on moving back to Utah because that's where all my friends are. No plan as for what job I would have or if I would go back to school. I just knew Utah is where I felt comfortable and that I had a lot of people who loved and cared about me there. But when Ruth basically told me, hey going back just for the social aspect is so much less then what you're capable of, I started listening. Finally. Several other friends were telling me I should stay here even if I get a new job. I just wasn't listening. I wasn't even listening to myself. Every other day I would switch from being excited to move back to Utah and feeling a little unsure/uneasy about it. I would have to try to convince myself that it was fine and it was the right thing for me. But Ruth had it right. I am stronger than that. In order for me to keep growing and being the best version of myself, I need to keep pushing myself. And I was just yearning to have my college experience back. But the problem with that is, I have moved on. I am no longer in college, and I can't go back.

Another problem I had that Ruth helped me to see was that I had the mindset of I'll only be in this area for a short period of time. I think I was just waiting to see what would happen while I was here. But I wasn't really reaching out as much as I could have. I wasn't pushing myself to be more social. I felt very isolated because I was doing it to myself! I kept doing really awesome things here in D.C. but always had the feeling of "If I'm doing all this cool stuff alone what's the point? I'd rather do boring stuff with people I love and who love me." (Moving back to Provo... nothing to do but awesome people...) But seriously, I just haven't been making as much of an attempt to get to know people here because I felt like I was just in the waiting game. Waiting for the next big phase in my life to just happen. Obviously, I have to make it happen. I can't wait for life to happen to me. So I FINALLY figured that one out. (Thanks Ruth, you may never know what a huge impact that conversation has on my life!)

I kept wanting the Lord to tell me where to go but I just kept getting the feeling. It's your choice. Wherever you want to go. But I just knew I wanted to keep progressing. And staying in this area (with a fresh perspective) was the way I could do that. So I am planning on moving to Arlington, Virginia. I am currently applying to receptionist/secretarial jobs in the area. I'm keeping an eye out for apartments available in the area. I guess it's not 100% sure until I get a job and an apartment but that's the plan for now. At least I have something to work towards. More updates to follow!

How could I move away from all of this?

Frequent metro rides which give me funny stories to tell my future grandchildren.

Georgetown Cupcakes with friends.

Eating cupcakes with Mr. Lincoln

Good Stuff milkshakes (yes food is a big reason to stay here!)

Capitol Hill (the year I lived on Capitol Hill will always be a wonderful memory)

The awesome houses on the east coast!

And Arlington is only a short metro ride away from Capitol Hill! Yay for staying in touch with friends from Capitol Hill. :)