A Year of Sunshine
Buckle up for a long and reflective post this week. 365 days around the sun and in the sun – wow! May 20th marked my one year of living in Florida. In the blink of an eye, a full year went by. Abby, Carol, and I got the chance to celebrate our year of being roommates this weekend by exploring Gumbo Limbo Nature Center in Boca Raton, FL. It had great outdoor trails, aquatic exhibits, and a butterfly garden, which was so serene. We topped the day off with some delicious acai bowls. It was a day well spent with one another.
It still feels like yesterday that I was scrambling around my house in the late hours of the night making sure everything was packed up to the brim in my tiny Honda Civic. My dad and I hopped into the car with tears filled in my eyes as we reversed out of the driveway of my childhood home – the home that I grew up in my whole life, and was my safe space. Reality set in knowing I wasn't moving just a couple towns over or a state away, but instead to the very southern tip of the east coast. A new adventure was in store! We rode straight from New Hampshire to Jacksonville, FL in one full day before we called it a night, which was very ambitious. Then we made our way to Boynton Beach, FL for 5 more hours of driving the next day. A couple hours into our arrival, my mom's layover got cancelled in Orlando, so Abby without hesitation offered to drive us to and from there to get my mom, which was so incredibly kind. I cannot thank my parents, Abby, and Carol enough for assisting with the move-in process all weekend long as I transformed an empty room into a space of my own.
Florida was a plan that was in the works since before the pandemic. I was going to submit an application at my job to request the chance to work fully remote, and if all went well I was going to move in with one of my best friends Christina in Orlando. Her Disney College Program got pushed, and then she had the opportunity to relocate to North Carolina, which altered our plans. She is now engaged to the love of her life and expecting a baby boy this fall, which shows that everything falls into place how it's supposed to. Then one of my best friends Haley and I were itching to move away once the pandemic was in full motion. I got the chance to declare to work fully remote due to the pandemic circumstances, and Florida became an approved state I could work in. Working from home with palm trees surrounding me amidst year-round sunshine and warm weather was a no brainer! Haley and I flew to Florida for an apartment hunting trip, and had plans to move as soon as the prices dropped, which we were told to expect in a few months. To our dismay, the prices skyrocketed, and it became a waiting game. As time passed by, I felt defeated because I wanted a fresh start so badly. This was a true plan I set out to instill. Haley met her now boyfriend and began growing their relationship to where Florida was not completely off the table, but in an unknown limbo because neither of us knew if their relationship was going to progress to the point where they would want to take it to the next level and move in together.
I knew I was called to move to Florida, but the logistics were uncertain and not looking promising. Very few know this, but I believe sharing the following story is an astounding reminder that prayer works wonders. I had such a clear vision that Florida was meant for the next chapter in my life, but I did not know how it would unfold because there were consistent roadblocks. I released all of my overthinking tendencies and prayed to God letting Him know that I am putting my complete trust in Him to guide me to Florida in whatever way, but to just get me there. Three days later Abby and Carol reached out to me asking if I was open to moving in with them the next month as they planned to renew their lease. My prayer was answered and this new opportunity presented itself out of left field. I still have chills to this day when I think about it. God's timing is everything and carefully crafted in how everything is meant to unfold in ways that none of us could have ever envisioned. I spoke with Haley and received her blessing to move down there earlier than her, and if all aligned where she wanted to relocate with me in a year's time, then I would be there. Flash forward to today, and she is happier than ever in a loving relationship and living with him, which I am elated for her. Everything works out how it is supposed to. I have made it to my one year mark living in paradise with my two of my best friends Abby and Carol, and I just know that everything fell into place exactly how it should have.
As I reflect on the past year of getting out of my comfort zone and moving from the top of the east coast to the bottom of the east coast, I have so much to be grateful for. I have always been an incredibly independent person, and am so humbled to be granted the opportunity to experience Florida and call it my new home. I do not believe I would have moved by myself so far away, so sharing this chapter with my best friends has been so special. This past year presented itself with many emotional lows, but also incredible highs. In hindsight, being away from family and friends and hugging everyone tightly unknown as to when I will see them next, and missing out on quality time, birthdays, and milestones is far from easy. I am forever grateful for the unconditional support and loving friendship from Abby and Carol on the daily. Having such amazing family and friends living in the same state to live life with down here is priceless. Abby, Carol, Brandi (the cutest English Cream Golden Retriever) and I have intertwined our lives so wonderfully together. We have so much fun during days of jam packed plans as well as in simplest of nights cooking dinner together, going for a walk on the beach, or curling up on the couch to watch a TV show. These moments will forever hold a special place in my heart, and I am soaking up every minute. My favorite takeaways from this year in the sunshine state include:
Remaining close and in touch with family and friends near and far who matter most to me
Working remotely in paradise with palm trees right outside my window
Living minutes from the most beautiful, clean, and peaceful beach while also living in a complex where there is a resort-style pool, so there are always places to unwind, relax, and cool off daily
Living my first winter in warm weather (so surreal)
Hosting family and friends who come to town, and getting the opportunity to play tour guide, and also meeting up with friends who have vacationed in surrounding areas
Going to Disney and Universal frequently with my friends
Getting to live in the same state as my cousin Alex, who I have gotten to spend so much quality time with
Roadtripping to and exploring new areas in Florida and getting to experience the endless beauty, wildlife, and joy of the state
Finding local hidden gem coffee shops and restaurants
Enjoying the daily make-up free and humidity infused hair look (claw clips are my saving grace)
Creating a safe space for all who enter 324
Being in a healthier state of life and happier state of mind
New Hampshire will always be home, but southern living is meant for me in this season of my life. Moving to Florida was the best decision I made in 2022. I have gotten the chance to frequently snorkel and go on boat rides along the beautiful coast of Florida, grow accustomed to the heat and wear leggings and sweatshirts in the blazing heat, have a hand in both Abby and Carol's engagements to each other, be inspired to improve my overall health, travel to so many stunning places while making the best memories, and embrace the overall Florida way of life. Cheers to living in Florida for a second year with my best friends – 324 forever and always! An invite to paradise is always open, so let me know if you ever want to come visit!
Remember to stay humble and kind, always!
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xo –Jess
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