Change is hard. I think it’s easy to forget when you get so comfortable in your life. When you can talk about change as a concept and not while you’re in the middle of it. 

A few weeks ago I was offered a job. Not just any job mind you, but a position that fit every tick box on my list for my perfect job. It was with a nonprofit, that offered an opportunity for me to use storytelling to educate and create awareness. Basically an opportunity, to use the skills I’ve been building in my professional life to help people. I can’t imagine a position more amazing than that.  

The organization was located in New York City. 

I’ve moved before. Made big changes. Faced challenges. I’ve been alone. And was able to make it through all of that before, so of course, I should be fine now. What I failed to remember was the reality of the change. I would be in a new city, without friends, family, and familiarity. I would be starting a new position which involves its own challenges in learning. And everything from my living situation to my mode of transport to work (the train and my odd fear of public transport) would be something I had never experienced. I was overly confident and hadn’t prepared for the shock of being in the new situation. 

Last week was a lot of fear, homesickness, uncertainty and too many wrong turns to count.

But that was last week. It’s over. And guess what?! I survived.  I’m feeling good and starting to do the things that I can always count on to make me feel more like me. I’m running. I’m figuring out how to get to the train and to the grocery store.  I’m organizing and cleaning the world around me. I’m making sure to let the humans in my life know that I need them. And they’ve been in touch, and totally amazing. And everyday I have been feeling better.

The more settled I get, the braver I feel to start to exploring my new home. 

-a wanderer 

“I hope you find a way to be yourself someday

In weakness or in strength

Change can be amazing”

Lyrics: Honest by the Neighborhood