Two Years in Asheville

I knew that if I allowed fear to overtake me, my journey was doomed.  Fear, to a great extent, is born of a story we tell ourselves, and so I chose to tell myself a different story from the one women are told.  I decided I was safe. I was strong. I was brave. Nothing could vanquish me. -Cheryl Strayed

Two years ago today, I left Arizona behind and moved to Asheville.  

March 24, 2017.

Maybe it’s because I just turned 30 a few months ago, but it feels like the years keep going by faster and faster.  As “young” people, our elders always warn us about how fast time goes by. I used to roll my eyes when people would say that.  Turns out, they were spot on. Except the years are going by even faster than I anticipated. Now, I’m wondering not only where did my 20s go, but how has it been a full two years in Asheville now?!  

Day by day nothing changes, yet when you look back years later, everything is different.

As y’all know from my previous posts (read: Asheville) and frequent quoting of Stevie Nicks and Tom Petty lyrics, it has not been all sunshine and roses since relocating to Appalachia. In fact, it was a big fat suckfest for a good while. Best laid plans, right?

But here’s the good thing about peaks and valleys: neither lasts forever.  And when I look back on the last two years, the valleys seem to get deeper and darker every time, but man, the peaks sure do get better.  

I got a tattoo about six months after moving here.  Funny enough, I remember it was Friday the 13th of October.  I love adventure and travel, so a compass of sorts seemed perfect.  And so, on my left wrist in all black, I have the cardinal directions surrounding two arrows.  Both arrows are pointed north. It was a reminder to never lose my way in life. And more importantly, it was a reminder to never lose myself.

My friend Natalie shared this quote with me by Stephanie Simpson, which perfectly captures the sentiment:  “An arrow can only be shot by pulling it backward. So when life is dragging you back with difficulties, it means that it’s going to launch you into something great. So just focus, and keep aiming.”

My six old niece informed me that she knows her directions well enough that she would never need to get them tattooed to her wrist. 🙂

Moving to Asheville has forever shaped (and perhaps reshaped) the course of my life.  There has been heartache, sadness, grief, change, loneliness, but also, joy, accomplishment, and love.  The fragility of it all is what makes everything so special.

• I ran my first marathon (Portland, OR Marathon) – all 26.2 miles in the rain and cold.  It was one of the most amazing feelings I’ve ever experienced.
• I’m closer to my parents, my sister & brother-in-law, and my incredibly adorable and smart nieces.  
• I get to travel all the time to some of the most beautiful places in the country. Adventure always awaits.
• I have a career that I love, and I’m surrounded by talented and passionate colleagues.
• I have made a new group of friends here – a quirky, hilarious, batshit crazy, supportive, intense, and amazing group of people who are always on my team.
• I finally found a new gym – Beer City CrossFit, aptly named. (I’ll always love & miss my Hub Family!)

Two years into this journey, I am a hell of a lot stronger than when I left Arizona.  I’m not certain if this will be my forever home, but I am excited for what’s to come.  Regardless of what the universe throws my way, the last couple years have given me the grit to keep braving the wilderness.

She’s gonna listen to her heart

It’s gonna tell her what to do

She might need a lot of lovin’

But she don’t need you.

– Tom Petty

Until next time. From Asheville, with love.

-Shug