See You Soon, Charleston

“Dem, I think you should do it. What do you have to lose?”

I’ll never forget that night. Having a late night talk with my lifelong best friend, Ashley, at the lake. With water lapping on the dock and a glass of wine in our hands, we chatted about moving to Charleston together. Yes, we had talked about it for months, but could it really happen? Could the place that I loved most in this world possibly be my home?

It turns out that it certainly could. And it’s been the most incredible 5 and a half months of my entire life.

My main reason for moving to Charleston was to heal. I’ve been through a lot personally over the past few years and it was really time to step away from my home in little Lynchburg, Virginia to re-evaluate who I was as a person, what I wanted my life to look like, and how those two went well together. And as strange as it sounds, I needed to do that away from the people that I loved most.

You see, I am a people pleaser. I’m also an extravert. I would spend every second of every day with other people if I could. But sadly, that doesn’t leave a lot of time for alone time. Alone time leads to silence, silence leads to thinking, thinking leads to processing, processing leads to discovery… and discovery was just what I needed.

I went to Charleston to find myself and in the process, I found so much more.

I found out Craigslist isn’t the worst place to find a roommate (believe it or not).

I found out that I have friendships that can withstand the distance.

I found out that OrangeTheory Fitness is both the best and worst thing that’s ever existed. (Shoutout to the West Ashley studio! You guys are amazing!).

I found out that the real, unconditional kind of love is the one that let’s go to hold on even tighter.

I found out that there is beauty in starting over in a new city. I also found out, when you’re a business owner, it can be pretty stinking hard.

I found out that my heart is the happiest while I’m sitting on the beach with Chance and Winston.

I found out that Starbucks here gives you cream with a drop of coffee. #PBLadyChronicles

I found out that rooftop dinners are ALWAYS a good idea.

I found out that the only thing holding you back from following you dreams is fear, and life is too short to live in fear.

I found out that sunsets are pretty dang incredible, but even better experienced beside the people you love.

I found out that helping yourself has to happen before you can help others.

I found out the The Daily serves the best iced almond milk latte you’ve EVER HAD.

I found that champagne is really always a good idea.

I found out that spending hours and hours in the car gets easier after a few months.

I found some of my favorite spots, like Frothy Beard Brewing Co., The Pitt Street Bridge, Station 17 on Sullivan’s Island, Poe’s Tavern, Mylk Bar, The Skinny Dip, and The Old Village.

I found out that your best friends can be made in the most unexpected times.

I found out that living life to the fullest isn’t about all the things you do or how much money you spend, but about filling your soul with what makes you happiest.

I found out that I exist to love and lead others by inspiring hope and happiness.

After 5 and a half months, I hope I’ve left my mark on you, Charleston, because I promise you’ve left one on me. I’m so thankful to have a leg of my business here and that I got to call myself a local for half of a year. I’m onto my next adventure, but I promise, I’ll be back again one day for good and every month in between <3

So Charlotte… I’m coming for you!! Are you ready?!? 😉

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