One week ago I met my best friends from college for lunch. It was rare we were all together and my heart was so full being surrounded by so much love. Sitting across from me my one friend and her fiancé were telling the story of how he proposed, and next to me sat my other friend and her new boyfriend. I was so happy for them and so happy to be with them. But that afternoon leaving lunch I knew I needed to take a next step in my life.
On top of 2020 (no explanation needed) I was also coming off of a heartbreak. It felt like I was pulling myself out of a dark hole each morning hoping that maybe he’d change his mind. I knew I had to get back to me and what would light a spark within myself. I couldn’t wait around to see if things would change. Nothing would change if nothing changed.
That Sunday night I booked a flight to California – a place I had always envisioned myself being but never actually had the chance to stay for more than a few days. I had to create my own opportunities and be my own biggest fan. Set my life on fire and fall back in love with myself. I craved a new beginning and a fresh start. I had nothing to lose.
So here I am.
Some may think I’m good at “running from my problems,” but I don’t think that’s true. I see this as a new beginning that I’m running toward. I think about 6 years ago and how I was going through a different kind of heartbreak. Even though my heart hurt, like it does now, I still got on that 17 hour plane ride to Australia by myself. Months later, I came home with a new perspective. And although I’m still in the process of this, what I’m realizing is that when you can’t change a situation, all you have left to change is your perception of it.
Sometimes you just need to force yourself on the plane..to California, Australia or wherever it may be. Even when it’s uncomfortable. Even when you have no idea what you’re doing. Even when you’d rather be wherever in this world someone else is.
I want to use this platform to share my passion for writing and traveling. I truly enjoy sharing my experiences and perspectives. For anyone who chooses to follow along – I hope you enjoy it, too. I want to inspire others and help encourage anyone else going through a tough time that, like myself, a new beginning is sometimes just a new way of seeing things.
Natalie Christina 