Anna and I sat in our kitchen back in January with trigger happy fingers ready to make the move. But all I could think about was my job, boyfriend, apartment, money, things, friends... what was I going to do about Chicago and my current life? I didn't feel ready for the change just yet. After a year and a half of one life altering event after another, some stability in Chicago had been a peaceful escape from the past year’s events. I was able to get wrapped up in a life separate from my home in Cincinnati, and finally began to feel purposeful and on “track.”
The click made it real. Within seconds we had both made the commitment to go down a different path. I think I expected to feel instantly happy, excited and ready, but in reality I felt overwhelmed and anxious about this huge decision, and of leaving all those things that felt secure for something totally unpredictable and unknown.
The past few months have involved lots of restless nights, hard conversations, and hours on the phone with my insurance company arguing about Malaria medicine. The process leading up to the trip has been tougher than I imagined, but there’s a voice in the back of my head telling me this will all be worth it in the end. A good friend Megan summed it up quite well when she asked me “Evelyn, have you ever heard of someone going on a trip like this and saying, man - I wish I hadn’t done that. What a waste.... NO. That never happens. You need to do this.” Chats with Megan and many others have given me the confidence moving forward that all the stress and planning will be worth it in the end.
In just a few weeks my best friend Anna and I will be embarking on a trip to Southeast Asia and the excitement is finally setting in. It’s happening and I have no idea what to expect. But I’m ready to be shocked, awed, challenged, and inspired. I’m so ready for this next chapter! Feel free to follow along...
No comments:
Post a Comment