What Texas Taught Me

I was relaxing the other day, recovering from a trip I had just returned from, when I glanced at a memory on my archived Instagram stories. It was a photo of my sister and me on a plane, officially making our way to Texas as new residents leaving Southern California behind. Four years ago, that was us. And I remember exactly how I felt: anxious, excited, filled with equal parts hope and fear. When you've lived somewhere your whole life, making that kind of jump is terrifying. Especially when you're arriving with little to no family or friends waiting on the other side.

A lot of people ask me, why did you move? Especially knowing how beautiful Southern California is, how could I ever leave? I usually gave the generic answer: a fresh start, lower cost of living, curiosity. But the deeper, more honest truth? I wasn't trying to escape SoCal, but I was in a headspace where I just needed to be somewhere I wasn't constantly reminded of heartache and pain. I had been through so much loss and trauma that everywhere I went, something triggered a memory I wasn't ready to carry anymore. I wanted a clean slate: new memories, new people, a new chapter.

The lower cost of living point was absolutely true. As much as I love Southern California and believe it's worth every penny, I was drowning. As a single woman in her twenties, still climbing the corporate ladder, living alone was expensive, especially 15 minutes from the beach. I was living paycheck to paycheck, even with a decent salary, and I was tired of the debt cycle. The state income tax alone was brutal, and don't even get me started on gas prices (SoCal locals, I see you).

The curiosity part? Completely accurate. I've always been someone who's afraid of staying stuck, physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually, or financially. I was ready for change and needed a new environment to grow into.

The first year was a rollercoaster. I had just been laid off during a mass layoff weeks before the move, so I was job hunting while simultaneously adjusting to a new state, a new culture, and a completely new way of life. It was far from easy, but I did have some help along the way. I eventually found a stable job, I met one of my best friends in the apartment complex I moved into, and I pushed myself to try new things. My cousin also lived in Texas at the time, and she was incredibly generous, showing me around, inviting me to social events, and making me feel less alone.

But it was also a year of heartache, because apparently heartache doesn't check your zip code before following you. I made some choices I wouldn't make again and gave my heart to people who weren't right for it.

I spent my first set of holidays completely on my own. I even made myself a little Thanksgiving charcuterie board for one.

It was lonely. It was uncomfortable. And it was also fun, adventurous, and formative in ways I couldn't have predicted. I wouldn't go back and redo a single moment. The things that tested me the most, the heartache, the financial struggles, the weight gain, and unfortunately, physical abuse, are the very things that shaped me into the person I am today.

Four years later, I barely recognize the girl who stepped off that plane. I am the most financially stable I have ever been. The most independent. The most confident. And I have more love to give than ever before. My health is a daily priority and my girl Daisie Mae is thoroughly spoiled and living her absolute best life.

I am so grateful for a job that, while it is not my forever path, has provided a lifestyle that the version of me from five years ago could not have imagined. That Sara never would have thought she'd take a trip to Paris that cost nearly $9,000. She never would have pictured herself driving a Tesla or flying first class.

I don't say that to brag. I say it because I grew up in a home where my parents worked incredibly hard but financially struggled. We had a good life: food, clothes, shelter, private school. But we were always careful with money, and luxuries were rare. So being able to afford these things now is both humbling and deeply meaningful. It's a reminder of how far I've come.

I'm currently in the process of becoming officially certified as a Life Coach, Wellness Coach, and Pilates Coach, all things I'm incredibly proud to be working toward.

Texas has given me more opportunities to build the lifestyle I now live, and honestly, it has given me just a taste of what I believe is only the beginning of my dream life. Do I enjoy the heat and wildly unpredictable weather? No. The bugs and getting eaten alive all summer? Absolutely not. But I am here, and I am grateful.

I know Texas is not my forever home. But it has taught me so much and brought some of the most wonderful people and experiences into my life.

So what does the future hold for Daisie and me? Honestly, I'm not entirely sure. We've thought about moving internationally, toyed with different cities, and explored what that could look like. For now, I'm doing my best to stay present, keep serving people, and keep growing.

If you've been thinking about making a big move, out of state or out of the country, I say go for it. Life is too short to play it safe. Get out there, experience new cultures, meet new people, and see what you might find. You might just surprise yourself.

Hope you enjoyed this one. Just something a little different from me today.

Love you all, take care.

MM