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!