Six years ago, I was getting a haircut at my friend’s apartment.
I’d had a quarter-life crisis the month before and then did a whole lot of soul-searching. Was I happy in DC? Why did I still live there? What would happen if I left?
As Rachel clipped away, I talked through thinking about moving with them. I think I knew deep down what I needed to do but needed a little validation and a little push. (Side note: if you’re in Charlottesville and looking for a stylist, go to Studio 500 and ask for Rachel. You won’t be sorry.)
She cut bangs, and I decided I’d move. I went home and put my apartment on Craig’s List to find someone to finish out my lease.
I only regret one of those decisions.
I found someone right away, and spent the month of April 2008 saying goodbye to all of my favorite D.C. haunts and people.
I had no real plan except to move home until I got my life figured out. I love my parents to death, but being 25 and living at home was a good enough push for me to get my life figured out real quick. I moved into the city four months after I’d left D.C., and I’ve been here for nearly six years.
Now, when I go back to D.C., it’s usually for races. I’ve totally turned my life around from when I left, and I love going back. Especially because then I get to come back to my happy life in NYC.
That said, Cherry Blossom Ten-Miler, I’m coming for you!
You look so healthy and so happy now! (And the bangs weren’t so bad).
I was going to say “you’re amazing that is all” but then I saw on your sidebar that you offer blog help, and now I’m thinking about that. So you may get an email from me at sometime!
That’s the one race I was never able to do when I was living in D.C., have fun! I am spending this April in my 26th year doing something very similar to what you did in April of 2008. Following your successes gives me confidence that I am making a great decision, too!
This put a big smile on my face 🙂
Have a great race! You’re awesome! 🙂
Woohoo, maybe see you on the course on Sunday!
how’d the race go for you? 🙂
It was fun! I am happy with it 🙂
This post could not have been more perfectly timed! I’m 25 and just moved from Boston back home to Chicago and have to live with my parents while I look to move into the city. I’m so glad to know that you didn’t have any regrets. I’m definitely looking forward to this new adventure!
Long time reader, de-lurking to say congrats. Your past and ongoing journey to lead a fit lifestyle is an inspiration.
I am running the More/Fitness half next weekend, maybe I’ll see you there 🙂
Such an inspiration 🙂 <3 Enjoy the Blossoms
Woohoo! What an empowering way to look back on how far you’re come- but still having a huge appreciation for the journey. I always love to read when you go back to DC because you do some reflecting and looking back that I love to read! GOOD LUCK!
yeah, I do get kind of introspective when heading back to DC 🙂
Ahh I’ll be running it on Sunday!! If I see you I might be a total creeper and ask for a picture together. Sorry I’m not sorry?
how was the race for you? 🙂
@Theodora Blanchfield: It went really well!! Even though it was a little chilly in the morning, it was such a beautiful day for a run!! How about you??
Love this post. Listening to your gut never lets you down. That’s how I ended up leaving D.C. after 4 years this past summer, and am now beyond happy in southern California. 🙂
It seems like it’d be pretty hard not to be happy in Southern California 🙂
What a transformation! I admire your “grit” as they say! Love reading your posts. Usually you have some great message or something that get me to think and evaluate. A lot of blogs have so much fluff and not much to say, but yours is really not like that!
Thanks 🙂
Sometimes a physical change is what we need to make another physical change. When I moved from Florida to Boston, my location changed and so did my mind. I’m so impressed with you and your hard work! 🙂