Hey hey! I hope this message finds you well. You know that feeling where you can physically feel your mind racing? Yep, me too.

Alright, let’s keep it real. I’ve had a few interactions as of late of people asking how I’m thriving this much in a city and chapter so brand new. I’ll let you in on my secret and that is I’ve kept it real. Every interaction, every opportunity and every circumstance… all of which I’ve embraced. When I moved to Austin, Texas in August 2024, I felt reasonably apprehensive, as my decision was a bit spontaneous and nowhere near organized. I booked my flight 2 weeks prior, leaned into some job interviews and just went for it.

The job I had lined up had fallen through just hours before my flight took off, my apartment wasn’t guaranteed nor were the finances. However, I used these moments of uncertainty to my advantage. I approached potential employers about my situation, I began my interactions with peers on a foundation of authenticity and I put myself to bed each night knowing I would figure it out. I always do. We as creatures of society always do.

I was unemployed until the New Year. I made and lost friends in the span of those few months. I prioritized dating for the first time ever and was quickly reminded why that hasn’t been a priority of mine. Beautiful part about all of this is I didn’t and haven’t lost myself, not once. My priorities have increased in value, if anything.

I’ve cried myself to sleep many nights, worrying about how I’ll keep financially supporting myself, missing my hometown comfortability and even simple evenings where I visit the marina or cook dinner with my mom. I spend a significant amount of my time alone and enjoy it, might I add, yet am aching for community and connection.

The past few weeks, I’ve found myself craving my small town in Wisconsin. The limited restaurant options, the 10 minute commute opposed to 40 minutes, bike rides around the neighborhood… just slower paced, more intentional days. I mean it when I say that Austin, Texas is truly everything and more. There’s something for everyone in this incredible city. However, it’s competitive, isolating and tough to “keep up.” In the same breath, I miss building my savings account, as I’ve been playing catch up the past few months to make up for my 2024 unemployment.

Am I being too honest yet?! Finding a consistent workout routine has been a challenge, I have an unhealthy addiction to sweet treats (no seriously, I want dessert after breakfast!), I watch a lot of movies, I don’t work enough hours and I sleep too much for a healthy 23 year old. All of which makes me feel a lack of purpose. I’m trying to find my “why” again. I ask myself often, “what do I want?” Maybe you’re in a similar position. This morning I wrote out a list of things that fulfill me and it did help provide me with some direction of living the most purposeful, intentional life. If you’ve resonated at all with my words, I advise you as well to pause and just word vomit all things in this world that make you feel like you’re not just alive, but living.

Through my morning journal entry I found that perhaps my “why” right now is leaning on my family, my childhood bedroom and the foundation that I know to be solid. I keep reminding myself that there’s nothing wrong with that.

I did the “thing.” I moved out of my hometown in my early 20’s when I had, and still do have, minimal ties. I’ve done what once felt impossible. All the awhile acknowledging that my intuition has never led me in the wrong direction and those cravings of home are normal and real to me. I’m not sure what direction I’m headed toward next. I still have a guaranteed 5 months in Austin. However, this is a reminder to both me and you… Nothing is permanent. You are allowed to change your mind about the direction of your life and all the beauty and mess that inevitably joins you along the way. Sending you a hug and giving myself one, too.

All my love, Grace.