transitions

Today my family arrives for my graduation from law school.  I am beyond excited to see them, and I feel so loved and blessed to have them here to celebrate, but it also makes me just a little sad.  Their arrival truly marks the end of our time in North Carolina and the start of a new phase in our life in Florida. 

Don't get me wrong, I am very excited to be headed back to Florida.  I think my sadness comes primarily from leaving the people and places that have become so dear to me in North Carolina.  I have found amazing friendships here and had experiences that I can only hope to recreate one day.  Though it sounds cliche, I have been exposed to new ideas and new ways of thinking that have broadened my perspective.  I have grown as a person, and I have had incredible mentors to help me along the way.  I will forever be indebted to everyone I have had the opportunity to work with, learn from, laugh with, study with, and just have fun with during my time here.  

As a self-proclaimed control freak and planner, transitions and change have always been tough for me.  In this case, change means a new routine, a new house, a new state, a new job, and leaving great friends and family in North Carolina.  At the same time, this change will mean being closer to other family, closer to wonderful friends, a chance to try something new, and an opportunity to create new routines and find new favorite places.  When framed as an opportunity, change is exciting and makes leaving just a little bit easier.  

As we finishing packing up our house and the celebrations begin, I will be seeing this transition as an opportunity.  Though I am certain I will be shedding some tears when we leave, I think I will also be repeating this as my mantra...

xo,