Smooth move...

A change of scenery is never a bad thing. I happen to love change, as long as it leaves me better off than I was before. Or at least not worse off. A new chapter of my life has begun and I've got a new little space to start it in. Although I'm not an expert at moving, I do know that they're typically not the most thrilling aspects of moving forward in life. I realized that I've moved 5 times in the past 5 years; Stephenson to Schaumburg, Schaumburg to Green Bay, Green Bay to Stephenson, Stephenson to Chicago, and Jefferson Street to Illinois Street. With each move came more ease and more confidence. With each move I found myself more sure of things and more sure of what I was doing. 


Yesterday's move was by far the easiest transition between chapters in my book. Perhaps it's because it exposed the light at the end of my education tunnel, knowing that in 11 months I will finally get a hold of my bachelor's degree. In 11 months I will make another move to the place I call home and start a new, exciting life with my best friend. And in 11 short months, I will be the person I sought when deciding to move here in the first place: a better me. Signing my 11-month lease also signed me up for my last 11 months of city-living (although as each day passes the small town girl in me is itching to get out), and it signed me up for another 11 months of experiences, growth, and self-exploration. Signing that lease not only gives me a space to live in, but it gives me a new beginning, a new view, and a new sense of motivation. 


I have to give most of the credit for my smooth move to my moving crew: thanks Mom, Dad, and Cody! However, they did make me realize that even though the moves may get easier, saying goodbye never does. That's when my tough exterior falls and so do the tears. When I signed up for these 2 years in the city, I also signed myself up for what seems like hundreds of goodbyes. I am growing older and more mature as each day passes, but when it comes to goodbyes I'm still that little girl standing on the sidewalk brushing away tears as I watch them leave. From there I'm sent to a familiar place where I stand alone, looking around at the world where I now live, both physically and mentally. I'm surrounded by thoughts of my past, present, and future, with thoughts of my future taking center stage. I've been in this place before, so I know exactly how to handle it. I am not scared. All I need to do is take a deep breath and step forward, tucking memories from my past in a safe place. And I smile as I take a step, knowing that this is exactly what I need to do to make myself a better person.