Thank you, Seattle.

It’s official. The new driver’s license came and I can once again call myself a Michigander. 16-year-old-me is probably laughing somewhere. Thankfully, 32-year-old-me can take it.

I’m having a bit of a flashback to a book my aunt gave me nearly 10 years ago – The Alchemist by Paolo Coelho. If you haven’t read it, I highly recommend it. I don’t want to give anything away, but it’s an amazing story about following your dreams and the unexpected path it may lead you on. Obviously my dreams have changed over the years, but as I settle back in to life in my hometown, it’s been a really cool opportunity for reflection…

[It’s also crazy / scary how the book almost foreshadowed my recent life changes… go read it! Seriously!]

When I was 16, I couldn’t wait to get the hell outta dodge. I was shaking my ‘too small’ hometown off the moment I was free and I wasn’t looking back. I had always dreamed of living in a big city with my own little studio, adorably decorated a la Crate-and-Barrel-meets-Restoration-Hardware, grabbing my morning coffee on my way to my fancy high-rise office and flitting off to happy hours a few nights a week.

[I dreamed the opening sequence of “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days” years before it came out. I honestly have NO idea where these ideas came from, but I can still see it so clearly in my mind it’s almost scary. Also, if I had to pick someone to play me, Kate Hudson could, like, totally make the short list.]

When I was 23, I realized that the real world was like, really hard. And I had no idea what the hell I was going to do with my life. I was in a serious relationship, and pretending to be an adult. But NO ONE EVER TELLS YOU THERE ARE FIFTY BAJILLION PATHS YOU CAN TAKE WITH A DEGREE IN MARKETING. Honestly, looking back, I was so lost.

I always had said I wanted to move away, but between said serious relationship and really great career opportunities, and then the end of the relationship and trying to get back on my feet…the timing just never seemed right. And I didn’t want to run. I had reached an age of wisdom that told me if I run, my problems will follow me. So when I hit my late 20’s, I knew I was only going to leave for the right reason.

When the opportunity of Seattle presented itself three and a half years ago, my gut and my heart told me it was right. Literally pieces just started to fall in to place. It was a career goal to work for a children’s non-profit organization. It was an opportunity to scratch that big-city itch. And if I’m being honest, I needed a swift kick in the arse. I was in a rut personally and professionally and while some people turn to yoga, picking up and moving across the country was more my style [go big or go home?] and seemed like the swiftest kick I could possibly get. I knew it would be hard, but it was time.

Hard it was, but as I reflect, I want to take a moment to say: Seattle, thank you. Thank you for pushing me for three and a half years. For supporting me. For throwing me some curve balls but giving me the tools to hit them as they came. Thank you for the amazing opportunities you provided me. For the forever-friends [ya’ll know who you are!] that welcomed me in and made it feel a little more like home. For your VIEWS – the mountains, the water, and the space needle that brought me comfort when I felt homesick. For helping me step outside my comfort zone, and showing me there’s actually a lot of things i like to do that I would have never tried otherwise. Thank you for challenging my thinking and making me see the world through a different lens. For the time with my parents and friends who visited, and gave me the chance to show you off. For your delicious coffee and unbelievable restaurants. For letting me live out my big city dream, complete with a small studio [even if it wasn’t exactly the Crate-and-Barrel-meets-Restoration-Hardware thing I had in mind]. And for giving me the confidence – both personally and professionally – that I so desperately needed.

Lastly, but most importantly, thank you for showing me that there is truly no place like HOME. When I moved, I thought that Seattle was where I was going to be for a very, very long time.

But when it came down to it, Seattle let me know it was time to head back. [A few times, actually. In case I hadn’t gotten the memo.] And just as the pieces fell in to place as I left Michigan, so have they fallen in to place to welcome me home. I am so thankful for the open arms of all of those that have accepted me back, and reminded me how truly lucky I am.

I’m proud to say I’m a Michigander and be a part of the exciting growth and change happening here. I’ve got a lot to look forward to and while I’m still trying to find my footing, I’m excited to be able to point to my hand and say “I’m from right here.” It’s Pure Michigan nerdiness at it’s finest.

Here’s to the next adventure!