Hi! It’s been quite a transition moving out of ATX to my hometown in Wisconsin. As to be expected, there’s been so much greatness and some trials, too. A big motivator to moving back home was to begin my career at Northwestern Mutual, as well as spend as much time as possible with my mom and brothers whilst we are all in a similar phase of life… no ties, but knowing we’re home when near one another.

I’ve been thoroughly enjoying my new and disciplined routine! That’s a win. Wake up at 4:50am, out the door by 5:20, workout from 5:30-6:30, get ready for the day 6:30-7:15, eat breakfast and at my desk by 7:45. Work 7:45-4:00, commute home, go for a 30 minute outdoor walk, prep my lunch, gym bag and outfit for the following day, shower, sweats on, eat dinner and indulge in a bit of free time until I climb into bed at 8:30pm. It’s working well for me at this stage in my life.

That being said, there’s still some direction I’m longing for. There’s been a few moments since my move from ATX that have felt very anxiety-ridden. Seeing my old community thrive in ways I used to in the South. The fear of missing out from music festivals, Dancing with the Stars watch parties (I hope Robert and Witney win), the midday paddle-boarding on Lady Bird during lunch break. I get this pit in my stomach when I think about these events, although beaming for my community, but realize how different my life is in the Midwest. These waves of emotions will likely hit me until further notice, however, I’ve sat down this week with what is going well in my cozy little hometown.

Although there’s been some tough moments with family mishaps, holidays approaching and simply trying to balance it all, I’m working overtime these days to seek out those little “in-between” moments. Lighting a festive candle, wearing a matching pajama set, enjoying family dinners, driving a car that gets me from point A to point B, receiving flowers in the mail from a friend, appreciating a job that I absolutely love, wearing Grandma’s scarf on my evening walks… I’m celebrating these moments extra.

My “in-between” moment happened unexpectedly the other day. I nannied all weekend for some of my favorite kiddos and two of the five wanted to stay up an extra hour to watch Gilmore Girls, eat Halloween candy, enjoy homemade hot cocoa, do a face mask and get all cozy on the couch. I was cleaning the kitchen so their mom and dad could come home from date night to a clean house, but realized I was missing the moment. Those sweet little girls were opening up an opportunity to connect, to sit in each other’s company… to just be. The memory of that day has carried me through the past few… to be reminded of how fulfilling this life can be when you show up with the face mask and cocoa in times like this.

I know it’s a tough thing to do. A common theme in some of my recent conversations with friends has been that they just feel a lack of direction, of connection. We as humans are conditioned in this society to notice what’s going wrong opposed to acknowledging and celebrating what’s going right. That makes it tough to genuinely connect with one another, right?

Challenge! Think of something that’s bringing you even an ounce of peace of mind right now. Sit with that, thank it for showing up and keep searching for more of those mini moments.

Sometimes that’s all you need to do. Sit down with what is going really well for you, with no comparison or judgment, and acknowledge how temporary that feeling may be, but knowing damn well that good feeling will arrive again. There will likely be a time where I am not sleeping even 4 hours a night. I’d pray for 8 hours. There will likely be a time where I find fitness to be on the back-burner. I’d pray to be active daily and in a stable routine. For now, those are events to be celebrating and I’m grateful I’m noticing them before they pass me by.

A phrase I’m loving right now is that “my brain is my direction.” Although we’d all love a map and compass to direct us exactly where we’re supposed to go in life, if our brains aren’t channeling optimistic thoughts, even occasionally, how are we going to intentionally follow that imaginary compass that is our mind? How you speak to you matters. I’m telling you, just try searching for those “in-between,” “cozy little hometown” moments the next few days… your brain will notice.

As always, I’m here to connect. I love this little community and appreciate anyone interested in reading my little diary. I hope it resonates with you, too 😉

All my love, Grace.