I'm proud to be from Michigan and very lucky to have had the opportunity to be reminded of my roots. Nothing can compare to the importance of knowing where I came from and what trials and tribulations made me the person I am today. As many of you know, this has not been an easy trip. My faith was tested many times. first, watching my sister suffer through brain surgery; next, facing the ordeal of bringing my family together; also, working with such negative, unhappy people; not to mention, the heartache of leaving who and what I've known behind; the anxiety of not knowing what the next step should be. . . the list can go on.
Being here I have had to open up doors to memories I closed long ago. How daunting is it that I can simply drive by a place from my past and be filled with flashbacks of events that occurred long ago. We all have skeletons in our closets and facing them is never easy. But I know that, the only way I could be a better person in the future was to acknowledge my past. And Damnit, I did it. I faced my fears, I reconnected with my family, and I will leave this place a better person.
It has taken me a very, very, very long time to know this person, to love this person, to respect and feel honor in the woman that I've become. I couldn't say that if I would've stayed in MI. Leaving 8 years ago was an incredibly difficult decision, but one that was important in the growth of who I was to become. I couldn't have picked a better place to blossom. GA is home to me. It allowed me to branch out, to not me constricted, and to discover who I wanted to be and was. I fell in love with Yoga in GA, learned the importance of my eating habits, and most of all, met this amazing group of people.
My friends in GA mean the world to me. I can not describe how blessed I am to have everyone of you in my life. Y'all gave me the opportunity to completely be myself, without reservation, and was not only accepted, but loved for my individuality. I was telling a friend this past weekend, how in MI my laugh was hushed. Now, I understand that my laugh is a little obnoxious, but never once has anyone in GA hushed me. They laugh with me, even tell me how contagious it is. I don't want to be hushed, I don't want to change, I don't want to be without the love I have in GA.
Crystal, you are one of my bestest friends. I know we didn't have a lot of Nicole & Crystal time because I was pulled in so many different directions, but that's OK because I know no matter how often we talk, you will always know where my heart is. Just being in your presence makes me feel so special, so cared for, so loved. I hope you understand how important your friendship is to me.
Jacob, Lil bro, how I adore you. YOUR laughter is contagious. I always feel safe around you because I know that, just like a little brother, you will always protect me.
Sherrie, my goodness. I can not even talk about how important you are in my life. You and Scott are my example of a perfectly imperfect relationship. Your words of wisdom have always touched me and I hope you realize the power you have with them.
All my wonderful regulars. You guys are my rock. No matter what is going on in my world I can count on every one of you to center me and tell me like it is. I was not expecting as many people to ask me to come home. I was so worried that everyone was going to be disappointed in me if I decided to move back. I am so blessed to have y'all in my life.
So the big question.... what am I going to do? I have to come home, no doubt about it. The details are in the works and once I know more I will fill you in. I'm not going to give up on my adventure all together but I also know where I need to be. Thanks again for loving me so much.
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