Uprooted. Replanted.
Have you ever dug up a tree or plant, for the sole purpose of relocating to a more fitting location? Maybe it wasn't doing well where it was, or maybe you just found a much better spot for it to thrive. If you have, you likely understand just how fragile the process can be and that it typically involves shocking the plant. If you are careful however, and provide adequate nurturing, the plant will come back better than ever. Right? Right.
You probably never thought this same principle can be applied to life. Why would you, unless of course, you've gone through it? People relocate all the time, mostly for work I assume. At least that was the case for us. It wasn’t necessarily due to a lack of thriving but rather the result of a new opportunity with potential for growth and enrichment in a different environment.
In my experience, I think it’s safe to say people go through a similar process of shock when transplanted to a new location—just as plants do. We require the same care and nurturing to help our roots take hold in the new ground. I was no stranger to this!
I distinctly remember Nick telling me on Valentine's Day back in 2015, after meeting with a former colleague, that he was offered a position in Kentucky. I said, “Kentucky? I'm not moving to Kentucky!” It was one of the few states I swore to myself, that I would never live in. Obviously my view of the state wasn't very favorable and for no good reason other than what I had imagined it to be. I'll just tell you I was very wrong!
Although there is no way in hell I would ever stop Nick from such an incredible opportunity, I was not happy about it. Let me rephrase—I was thrilled for Nick but just feeling sorry for myself. And let's be honest—for a brief period I was angry. My co-worker at the time, who is one of my very best friends, struggled with it too. He knew it was an opportunity that we just couldn't pass up, but didn't make it any less difficult for us. Our bond is that of close siblings. He is my big brother! I cried and cried and cried and then got over myself!
It felt as if I was being abruptly uprooted from the place where I was meant to be planted. I was just beginning to get established in my career, after 5 years. Things were falling into place. At least that's what I thought. It's never easy starting over and gosh I had no idea what it would even be like as an AT in Kentucky. Would I even find a job? It didn't matter. I agreed to it. We were going.
Fast forward to present day, well future I suppose—this summer will be 6 years that we have been in Kentucky. It has been an amazing 6 years to say the least. I honestly think it has been the best 6 years of my life. It was the best decision we could have ever made, even though we didn't realize it at the time. There's just something about starting a new life together on our own.
It’s never easy moving away from family and friends, but our transition was awesome, even with not really knowing anyone. Thankfully Nick isn't introverted like me and welcomes friendship much easier. We were accepted with arms wide open, from everyone in Kentucky. If you know me, I'm picky about my tribe. Very picky. But we have formed incredible friendships. Friends that have become family to us. Friends that I don't know what I'd do without. These relationships helped nurture us during the shock process of being replanted in a new place. I cannot ask for better people to be a part of our lives! I'm beyond grateful for the continued love and support of our dearest friends.
Kentucky has become home to us. We absolutely love it here in Lexington. We love the life we have here. We built our first home a couple years ago. We added a pup to our clan, had the unfortunate loss of another and God willing we'll hopefully add a kiddo at some point. But all of these life experiences have brought us closer together. We love our Kentucky home!
When someone asks me where I'm from, without any hesitation and as proud as can be, I blurt out, “Kentucky!” I'm so proud to live here and if I must admit, I'm finding that I say “y'all” quite a bit. Another thing I swore I'd never do. I even have a little southern twang developing. What has the south done to me? I'm not gonna lie—I kind of like it. All of it. It fits me. It's where I belong. It's where we belong. I'm no southern belle, however. That's a skill I will likely never master.
Moving from the northeast has been a remarkable difference. It's much easier now, to see just how different the lifestyle is. I can tell you, we do not belong in the northeast. No offense, but that life just isn't for us. It's so relaxing down south. The people are friendly. Strangers will talk to you. We don't have the same hustle and bustle as we did up north. We don't just close our blinds when something is happening outside.
Our roots have really taken off in the soil down here. We made it through the shock period and are now thriving. It's wonderful! I have zero regrets. I'm the happiest I've ever been in my life. I enjoy the simple things in life. I didn't always do that before. I was stressed a lot. A LOT. It was a different life for sure. We are meant for every season we go through but some are definitely better than others.
Don't ever be afraid to be uprooted and replanted. It could end up being the best decision of your life. If the opportunity is there—take it. Don't look back. With the proper amount of nurturing, you'll do just fine. I promise your roots will take hold in new soil.