Sometimes, the biggest risks are those we take with our hearts.
Four years ago, the day after my college graduation, I packed up my entire house after putting it on the market, and drove down to Florida where I had no family. It was my second time leaving a place that I called home. When I moved to the states from Haiti at 14, Georgia became my second home. This is where I went to high school, college, and started my adult life. I had managed to convince myself and everyone around me that it was time for a fresh start. The closer I got to my moving date, the scarier it felt. But I was determined. I had never been more excited and nervous at the same time.
My husband (boyfriend at the time) and I had been in a long distance for a few years , and although we saw each other quite often, we got to a point where a week or a weekend wasn't enough. We had been traveling and spending a good amount of time getting to know each other, but it was time to move from our friendship/dating situation to a more serious commitment. Part of me was skeptical although I brought up the idea. Why on earth would anyone move their entire life for someone they're not either engaged or married to? My common sense weighed heavily on my conscience. I usually didn't make decisions based on pure emotions, but this time, I was willing to take the risk, and I'm so grateful that I did.
Things started off great! We were spending a lot of time together, going on dates, traveling, partying, and enjoying being with each other. Then the conflicts began, and the real work started. We started seeing the bad and ugly side of each other. The flaws and vices that you don't want to own up to, or talk about. We started questioning the future of our relationship, and discussing compromises, changes, and boundaries. We knew that we wanted to be together, and were willing to put in the work that was needed to build a strong foundation for the future. And that's exactly what we did.
I can honestly say that taking that risk four years ago has changed my entire life. I still think about all that could've went wrong, but the outcome is proof that it was the best decision I've ever made. On our wedding day, I gained a husband, a partner, a friend, a travel buddy and a lover. The joy of having him in my life far outweighs the rough patches that lead us here today.
What risks have you taken that you're grateful for today?
My most grateful risk would have to be when i decided to stay in Florida while my mom moved back to jersey. At the age of 14, my mom decided she didn’t want to live in new jersey anymore. She moved me and my two sister to florida where we spent the next 6years living. I finished high school and began college in Florida. In 2012 my mom decided she wanted to go back and i had two options (well really one) i either had to move back to jersey my 2nd year in college (risking starting over and/or credits not transferable) or find somewhere to stay in less then a month. At the time i didn’t believe i would make it on own. I never paid rent before, yet alone all my bills. I was working on campus part time making 9hr. I choose to stay without evening knowing what i would do. I found a 1br apartment 35 miles from where i was previously staying. (Miami to pompano beach) I spent months with one mattress and a tv with no cable just barely making it by.
Long story short, The day left that apartment was one of the saddest day of my life. I officially became an adult, i made it on my own. I took a risk and had a whole lot of faith.
Now today i can say florida has become my new home, i have made wonderful friends who are now family. Most importantly i met my husband in Florida.