Moving across the country, far from everyone and everything I know and to a place where I know nothing and nobody, has done a number on my psyche. Feeling depressed and unmotivated is all too easy lately. When I feel those emotions creeping in, it can be hard to shake them, no matter how hard I try, but I've (re)discovered that turning to music and words can have an incredibly comforting and encouraging effect on my heart and soul.
I came across this quote recently, and upon first reading it struck me as absolutely true and important. Too often we are not fully present in the moment, distracted by technology, endless to-do lists, insecurities, fear of change, wishing for things we don't have... You name it, almost anything can pull our focus from where we are, who we're with and -- most likely -- what really matters. The problem is that failing to fully embrace each moment doesn't just mean missing out on wonderful experiences. Failing to make the most of every day can also leave us ungrateful and unhappy -- and wondering who to blame. I'm guilty on all counts.
"Wherever you are, be all there."
I'm in St. Petersburg. I don't really want to be here. This wasn't my first choice. But, I'm with my husband who loves me. We're building a new life and a new home together. And we're just miles from some of the best beaches in the world! So who am I to complain? To feel down and out? As difficult as it can be sometimes, I want to make the most of this phase in our life, to embrace and explore the unknown, and create amazing memories along the way. I am here, and I need to be all in.
I've found this song also nudging me out of my complacency, demanding that I bust out of this rut I've managed to wedge myself into.
You said, remember that life is
Not meant to be wasted
We can always be chasing the sun!
So fill up your lungs and just run
But always be chasing the sun!
All we can do is try
And live like we're still alive
Here's to life, living and feeling every moment, and chasing the sun!
Omigosh Carissa, I got so excited when I saw your name pop up in my reader -- yup I kept your blog in there even after all this time! I have been following along with all your adventures on Facebook of course, but it's not quite the same as staying up-to-date through blogging.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you're doing well. I'm sure a cross country move would be very stressful and hard! I know when I moved far away from family in 2008 it was a very difficult transition. It took me a good 1-2 years to feel settled in my new home so my biggest piece of advice would be to give it time!
Excited to start reading posts from you again :) XO
Hi Amber! Yay! I'm so glad you kept me around, haha. Facebook has helped me keep up with you, too :) I can't believe how long it's been since I blogged last, but I'm excited to get going again. It seems like a good time with all this change going on!
DeleteHopefully I will be able to get settled in a bit more quickly... With the military, we move at least every three years! We'll see how it goes though. I know I need to allow myself to feel how I feel-- change is hard, after all-- but then do something about it if it becomes a barrier.
Thanks for stopping by! I need to get back into my blog reading... SO much to catch up on!
Just like Amber, I still had your blog in my reader and was so excited to see your post pop up. I've been wondering what you had been up to! And from one former California girl to another, in my opinion at least, I've found most places are pretty much the same deep down, it's pretty much the people that make it different. Well, and the food options, but that's a different story!
ReplyDeleteAhh, but don't you miss California?? :) I do. But you're right, it's really all about the people. And I guess that's what I'm missing right now-- being close to my friends and family. It is fun discovering new restaurants though, GT and I love that. It's so weird though, the vegetables are different out here, I swear! Who knew? ;)
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