Running Away to Find Yourself

How well do you know yourself? What do you love to do? What makes you happy? Do you really know, or are your preferences a reflection of advice you have been fed by others? The world has opinions on every matter under the sun, including firm ideas on who you should be, and what you should do with your life. You can listen to the world’s many voices, or you can muster the strength to listen to your heart and follow it to what you love. The latter is not easy. That is why many choose the former.

A recent Instagram post in my feed said, “Sometimes you have to run away to remember who you were before the world told you who you should be.” In my late 20’s, I found myself in a “running away” position. I was surprised because my life to that point had been smooth overall. It is no mystery to me now how I landed in that tough spot. For years, I had operated from a position of pleasing others. What others wanted for me is what I wanted for myself because, I surmised, if it made them happy, I would be happy, as well. As I became increasingly discontent with the direction of my life, I discovered I had to make difficult decisions. These tough choices would be better for me in the long run, yet they would hurt others, and me, in the short-term.

If I had not taken bold steps at that time, I would not be where I am today. I cannot imagine that. I would not know my husband John, we would not have our beautiful twins, and we would not be in the Pacific Northwest enjoying wonderful adventures, making fantastic new friends.

I did something very hard in the short-term so I could have something greater down the road. It was a step of faith because, of course, I did not know what my future held. Can you relate? Are you presently stuck, or are you in the middle of a tough time in your life? If so, hold on and keep going. Your difficulties are leading you to something better, and you will be a stronger, more complete person because of your trials. I know because I have lived it.

Life is full of second chances, third chances or as many chances as you need. Another recent Instagram post offered me timely encouragement: “If something is destined for you, never in a million years will it be for someone else.” I believe that, and I hope you do, as well.

Moving to Seattle threw me for a loop for a long time. As I grieved leaving a life I loved in Dallas, I gave myself permission to take a pause, to rest and to reflect. I am no longer running away as I did 15 years ago. I found myself, I found a new career I love, and I am embracing my time in Seattle as an opportunity to know myself better.

The woman you see here twirling in the streets of downtown Seattle is me. I am a goofball, I love mischief and I enjoy turning heads. If all the world is a stage, I will dance! Will you join me?

Photography by Jenna Lynn Photography.