This move has and will continue to have its challenges.
I spent an entire Luke Bryan concert balling my eyes out because I was surrounded with some of the best friends I've ever had. And, because, well, wine.
Along with the decision to move came the decision to leave well established jobs.
Our families will no longer be right there whether for holidays, help with the kiddos, or an impromptu lunch.
Day trips to Boston or quick weekends in New Hampshire will no longer be the norm.
And, now a visit home will require a plane ticket and expensive dog sitters.
The challenges won't stop from there, as we adjust to new people, new jobs, crazy thunderstorms, missing our people and places, and remember that this isn't a vacation - it's our new life. (So, like, brewery hopping and unplanned tattoos on a random Tuesday is probably frowned upon?)
But, if it's one thing that our 6-month-struggle to sell our home has taught us, it's how much we really want this. We became so tired of cleaning, open houses, showings, and disappointment that we could have easily thrown in the towel. We asked ourselves if it was a sign, if this move wasn't meant for us, or if there was something else in store for our future. When it came time to either accept an offer much lower than we expected, or stay put, we decided to take the leap and make North Carolina happen.
So to all the challenges that have and will come up, I accept you. CHALLENGE ACCEPTED, if you will. I am so ready to struggle, as odd as that may sound, because with every struggle I've endured, I've also grown. Each and every hard time has taught me something about myself; it's the mirror held in front of my face, revealing every raw truth and vulnerable part of me. It's my permission to cry, to ask for help, to express my needs, to hold myself accountable, and to speak honestly -and sometimes it even shows me how badly I need to tweeze my eyebrows.
Anytime I feel scared about moving, I remember something really important: home is where my husband is. I can't help but feel so lucky to have married someone who was willing to look at themselves as much as I do, and put in the endless work it takes for a marriage to work. And, I mean, I like looking at him too, so that's a plus. But really...knowing on our hard days we will be there for each other, for our daughters, and also show up for ourselves, makes me know that whether we are in Massachusetts surrounded by family (and freaking cold weather) or isolated down in North Carolina, being together is home, and we will make any location work for that reason.
There's guilt of taking our kids away from their grandparents.
There's fear of losing connections with distance.
There's worry of all the "hows".
But...
There's excitement of change.
There's a feeling of bravery.
There's more opportunities to wear Birkenstocks.
My little family of 4 -and the 3 pups- are about to go on the greatest adventure. It'll be scary, but it'll also be awesome. It will show our girls they can do anything and go anywhere in this life. It will reveal strengths we didn't know we had and weaknesses we need to tackle. It will shine light on true friends and allow us to appreciate family all the more. It will show us whether our love for breweries is a cute hobby or a slight problem.
I look forward to all we learn from ya, Wilmington.
