Tags
Change of Scenery, Charm, Comfort, Family, Finding your way through life, Friends, Heart, Inspiration, Love, Plantations, Southern, Weight Loss, Weight Watchers
I do apologize as yet again I have slacked on writing my blogs each week, so I hope you forgive me as I explain why that is! For the last week I have been discovering parts of my soul in the deep south…Alabama/Georgia to be exact. I chose this shoe by local Atlanta shoe designer Shaunell Robinson to help represent local designers from the area that stole my heart.
I know I talk a lot about the weight-loss side of my self-improving journey, but there is so much more to it than that. When you feel so lost and broken inside that you can’t even recognize your own reflection in the mirror, you know that life has to be better than that. I knew that I wanted more than a broken soul I just had to find my way and that is what I have been trying to do. I have fought my inner demons one step at a time trying to become whole again. But here’s the thing…I have spent so much time focused on putting my 10,000 piece puzzle together, that I haven’t taken much time out for myself to enjoy life. I haven’t traveled anywhere exciting for over ten years, instead I have stayed in this general area with mini trips to Seattle or Oregon and a few places in between.
When my cousin asked me to be in her wedding, I was reluctant. I hadn’t traveled in so long, I knew it would be expensive and time consuming, but I couldn’t say no. She is after all more like a sister to me than a cousin and I knew that it was my turn to make a trip down to see her. Little did I know that I would get much more than just a fun adventure…I found a missing piece to my soul down south.
As I have discussed in previous blog entries, I have been so afraid of life in general. Afraid of getting in trouble, afraid of taking chances, afraid to be happy. I was terrified of my trip down south. I was mortified that I had to fly on a plane, learn the Gangnam Style dance and perform it in front of a bunch of strangers at the wedding, and many other stresses that plagued my mind. But when it came down to it, I pushed those fears aside and I freed myself.
I flew down to Atlanta Georgia and experienced some pretty amazing moments. I drank moonshine for the first time while playing drinking games until midnight. I got to play with my little cousins and experience their innocence and remember what it was like to be their age and not have a care in the world. I got to stay up late with my cousin and brother and reminisce about the good times we had growing up. I got to play Monopoly with them as we did when we were little, and even beat them one game. I got to meet my cousin’s fiance (now husband) and see how happy he makes her every time he enters the room. I got to party it up at some hot clubs on the Boulevard in Columbus, Georgia. I spent time around some very awesome people that I look forward to seeing again, and some very well mannered southern folk. I was lucky enough to visit some vintage plantations that stunned me with their beauty and charm. I was able to stand at the alter and see my beautiful cousin marry the love of her life and hope that someday I can replicate that genuine happiness. I got to spend time with my brother and really connect with him on a different level than I have before. When I was saying good-bye to him (because he is staying down there for a couple of years) I got emotional at our departure. And last but certainly not least, I got to spend time with my best friend Jared. He has been a constant in my life for nearly six years now, and I hope that someday soon we can take our relationship to the next level. I’ll save the details on that for another blog 🙂
I missed my life up here in Washington, but when I boarded the plane to go home, I felt like a piece of my heart broke off and stayed behind in Atlanta. Life down there was so different from what it is up here. The people are so sweet and very friendly. Everything down there is a slower pace and more relaxed than up here. I guess that’s why they call it “Southern Charm.” I was definitely charmed by the south in many ways.
I feel like I’m at the point in my life where I need to follow my heart even if it leads me to a far away land. I haven’t made any definitive decisions yet, but don’t be surprised if I buy a one way ticket to southern comfort. Of course if this happens, I will still continue on my WW journey as well as writing this blog.
Speaking of WW, I had the dreaded weigh-in today after my vacation and gained 4.2 pounds. I figured it was around 5-7 pounds, I could feel my pants getting tighter 🙂 I’m not too worried about it. I still have my eye on the prize and am ready to finish my weigh-loss journey.
My quote is sweet and simple. “Follow your heart.”
We must take off our southern plats and put them back into my closet until next time when we wear a different pair of heels…