photo Header_zps24cd14cd.png

9.13.2013

Settling In

This morning the realization hit me that I've lived in Washington for over 2 years. I can remember how scared and unsure I felt when I first moved out here --Will I be able to get a job? Can I afford to live on my own? Will Steven ever propose? I had a lot of questions about my future and a lot of uncertainty as to whether or not I had made the right decision for myself. 

That first year was a whirlwind of events. I did get a job, I was able to afford my own place, and Steven and I got married. But I'd have to admit that during that first year, even though things were working out better than I had ever hoped, I wasn't very happy. In fact, I was pretty damn miserable. I experienced that kind of homesickness that causes physical pain. I ached for my family, friends, and a comfortable home I felt secure in. I was plagued by severe anxiety. My mental state began to wear down my physical wellbeing. I gained weight and suffered from stress induced dermatitis and acne outbreaks. I allowed myself to wallow in negativity and resentment. And then one day, I decided to make a change.

I decided to take my happiness into my own hands, to change my lifestyle and take control of my physical and mental wellbeing, to think positively and practice gratitude. I completely revamped my diet and dived headfirst into a new Paleo / yeast free way of eating, I took up yoga and spent long hours on walks with the pup and my husband. I invested in quality time with others, allowing myself to open up and to enrich my life with friendships. I found a Naturopath and discovered the healing powers of vitamin D! 

It wasn't easy, it took lots of disciple and hard work, but slowly I started to notice that I was beginning to feel a sense of contentment and experience joy in my day to day. It was as if I shed bitterness, resentment, and negativity along with the 15 lbs I dropped and the bad skin. I felt lighter, freer, and settled. And that's when it hit me, I'm beginning to settle in. I'm beginning to settle into this new life on the West coast. I'm beginning to settle into my marriage, into my home, into the friendships I have made, and into the life Steven and I have begun to build for ourselves. 

I'm not "settling" in the bad kind of way -- as in settling for a mediocre life -- but in a much different way. Just as a tree plants its roots deep in the ground and becomes firm enough to withstand all of life's storms, I too am feeling grounded with where I am in life. I've begun to settle into this new place. I feel firm, grounded, and secure. And although there is still a lot of uncertainty in my life, one thing I am certain of is that I can withstand any storm that may head my way. I might be rattled and come to a little worse for the wear, but I know I can remain strong and grounded. 

It may have taken 730+ days, but here in Washington, 3,000 miles away from all I used to know and love, I am settling in --and that feels really, really good. 

6 comments:

Mrs Independent said...

I know this feeling all too well. As a fellow former East Coaster, as much as I initially liked Seattle, I found myself really lost within the first year here. Your physical problems match mine almost to a T. I gained 20 lbs, had constant pain, etc. My turning point came when I quit a horrible job and finally began enjoying life again! I'm glad you're feeling settled here.

Unknown said...

and you have the cutest family - with one more on the way!! :)

Callie {FirstComesLove} said...

This makes me so happy! You know I've been following along with your blog ever since I started blogging. I'd really consider us friends. And that's why reading this really and truly makes me happy. I love hearing when people I care about are doing well and finding peace and happiness. I find myself in a similar situation. Happy for many reasons but still settling into this stage and place in my life. All very well put and so lovely :)

Cara said...

This is a great outlook on life. It is all about what we make of it and our attitude! I'm glad that you decided to be happy and it seems like everything is going great for you now, which is amazing to hear. Its hard settling into a new place and a new life really, and it really does take years but once you reach that point of contentment, its your norm at that point and that is the best thing ever.

Nicole said...

I can completely relate to how you feel as I left my family, friends and country and move with my new husband and his job! We move often and have only recently purchased our first home and for the first time in our life together I am starting to feel settled, content, and extremely happy. Sometimes life has a way of putting you through a storm before you can truly appreciate the sunlight! I'm so glad you are feeling happy at this amazing time in your life!

Chelsea Olivia said...

I feel you, totally! When I lived in New Zealand for over a year, I felt like I would NEVER settle- so I completely know where you are coming from. I'm so glad that you've made yourself more comfortable and you are happier!