On the Road Again…

Somewhere between the monotonous miles of Mississippi and the hectic highways of Houston, it clicked. I found a moment of calm that lasted for more than 3 seconds and I feel more stable and more secure. It could have been a number of things but it’s likely a combination of them all.

I recently got back from a road trip I took to Alabama with a stopover in New Orleans and Houston. At first, this trip seemed a bit bigger than life and struck me as mostly overwhelming. However, I tend to find those kinds of situations exactly perfect for combatting. So, off I went, 7 hour energies in tow and a list full of names to see. And it went better than I could have possibly imagined. Not only did I MAKE it to 4 different cities in Alabama, New Orleans, AND Houston….not only did I see over 20 of the best people I know…I feel more energized now from it all than when I left a week ago. I typically don’t derive my energy from people but this was a special case, it seemed. It is easy to get bogged down in the petty complications of home. Sometimes, the best way to reset yourself is to get out for a bit. This is exactly what I needed.

First stop- ex boyfriend land. I say this but, honestly, he is one of my best friends. This is one boy whom I will always love in one way or another and it was extremely comforting spending a couple days with him and a few of our mutual friends with no strings attached. I did not have to think about a single word I said because I could trust that each word would be taken exactly the way I meant it to be taken without explanation. That is a simple rarity that I miss.

Next stop was my hometown, which was unusually nostalgic, given that I never particularly enjoyed living there. I had the chance to see old old friends from 10 plus years ago, which is a novelty I have never had before, growing up as an army brat. And there is just such a sense of ease in the presence of people you’ve known forever like this. It was a very welcome experience and brought about many unexpected smiles while I twisted my way down the roads of my childhood.

The icing? A couple days partying in New Orleans with the best women I know- no holes barred, no expectations set. This was just such a welcome release from the dreariness of every day life. Sometimes, I think we just need to laugh more and the rest will sort itself.

And, of course, must not forget the truly amazing Muse concert at the very end of it all. Nothing like a killer rock show by your favorite band to set the tone for the next couple weeks, at the very least.

My point being- Familiarity, comfort, and a renewed sense of joy combine quite nicely to get a girl back on her feet. I feel ready to face my city again, with all of it’s curve balls. I doubt I will hit each one in the correct direction but I feel more focused and more prepared for what’s ahead. I am finding my roots again…