I’ve been hard on you Raleigh.
Starting over is always hard. But leaving the one place that always felt like home to me was exceptionally hard. To be honest, I’m not sure I’ve ever really felt like I’ve belonged anywhere, but if there was one place that captured my heart, Charlotte was it. Saying goodbye hurt.
It’s been 3 months now and I wanted to tell you that I’m sorry. I’m sorry for being so hard on you.
These last 3 months have made me realize one thing. There is magic everywhere. You just have to be willing to look for it.
These past 3 months I’ve been to the coast more often than ever before. It’s a straight shot from Raleigh to pretty much any beach. Every weekend I’ve discovered a new coffee shop to write in. I’ve walked the cobblestone streets of tiny villages, explored the cutest Main Streets of the downtown suburbs and last night I watched baseball while eating ice cream after taking in the charm of the American Tobacco Campus.
You’ve been good to me Raleigh. I’ve felt more inspired over these past 3 months than I have in a long time.
For the first time in years I no longer feel like I’m searching for something. I’m not continuously grasping for something far from my reach.
Because for the first time in a city, I have everything I’ve ever wanted. I have a family, love, creativity, salty air on a regular basis, and so many dreams where I’ve taken that first step.
I always said Charlotte was the place that put me back together again. Nashville was the place where I planted all the seeds of my dreams. So maybe Raleigh… just maybe… you’re the place where I finally learn to grow.
