Good Morning Friends!

I was up bright and early today so I could get a jump on the long week ahead. It’s possible it may be even longer than last week, and phew, it was long! I’m working with a new team at my company, and I’m loving it, but it means taking on a lot more responsibility so I’m quickly trying to get up to speed with everyone else. This weekend I was thinking about how thankful I am for my new job and for all the wonderful things that have transpired the past couple months…so I thought it might be time for a life update. 

Since it’s Motivation Monday, there’s no better time to discuss changes and the motivation to make them. Whether it’s work, a relationship, where you live, etc. etc. etc. Change can be hard, and big decisions are usually pretty scary. Had you asked me a couple years ago if I would move to California I would have said “No way!” But life happens, and things change. When I met Justin I didn’t automatically switch from east coast to west coast, but it didn’t take long. I had needed and wanted change in my life for quite some time, but I didn’t know what I wanted or where to turn. I hesitate to say this publicly, but many aspects of my previous job were less than positive. It was incredible experience that I do not and will not take for granted, but I knew I needed to move on. 

Always remember, even negative experiences can have positive outcomes. You encounter certain situations and different people in life so you can grow and learn as a person. For me, my job molded me into the resilient, efficient, multi tasking professional I am now. I am so thankful for the path I’ve already taken…but let me tell you, I’ve never been so glad to be where I am. 

Looking back, there were so many times I wasn’t happy or that I kept wishing for tomorrow so maybe things would change. But you know what? You are the only one who can change your mindset and your situation. I don’t think I ever expected someone else to hand me success or a roadmap to greener pastures, but I was definitely passive in my approach. It wasn’t until I met someone special that everything changed. 

I spent many months being proactively selfish after ending my engagement back in Virginia. I promised myself I would never make decisions for someone else, and that I would finally figure out what Amanda truly wanted out of life. It was a period of time I needed and a period of time that helped me realize my own worth. Something every girl needs to find! So many of us see our worth in the eyes of others and we forget the most important opinion of ourselves is our own. If you don’t love yourself it’s impossible for someone else do to it for you. 

Learning to love myself eventually allowed me to open up and to let in a whole new kind of love. A love that is true and kind, and full of respect. So…I guess I have love to thank. Something I never thought I would say, but I’m so very glad I can. My happiness came when I started to follow my heart and I started to listen to myself. I’ve always had a hard time doing what I want and not what benefits others, but the minute I said “It’s my life and I’m the only one who has to live it,” everything changed. 

Fortunately, I have a supportive and loving family who understood my need for new scenery and who trusted my intuition. It’s not often your parents say “Yay!” to quitting your job to move across the country for a boy. But they know how I am and that I’d planned out each piece and part meticulously. Please note, I’m in no way advocating for anyone to go into work tomorrow and quit their job. What I am saying is that you are the only one who can change your situation. Sometimes it means taking a leap of faith. Even when the fear of failure is present. Your intuition and that “little voice in your head” will almost always steer you in the right direction. 

So long story short, here I am in California. I spent two months without a job (which I had diligently planned for) and to be honest, it wasn’t the worst thing in the world. Scary yes, but it gave me time to adjust to my new surroundings, register my car, learn my way around town, and spend quality time with Justin. I didn’t want just any job, not after such a huge life change. I wanted a job that was meaningful, filled with balance, with a wonderful culture, where I could see myself growing. And thankfully, I found it. 

Obviously blogging is not my full-time job (i wish), but it’s something I truly enjoy. Im so lucky to have found a man who doesn’t think Pardon Muah is silly, and who sees what it means to me. He helps take my photos, corrects my grammatical errors, and religiously likes my photos on Instagram. And in return, I support the things he enjoys…i.e. gymming, racing cars, watching sports, and playing video games. Okay, so I can’t even figure out the PS4 controller…but I happily blog while Justin plays away. I believe it’s healthy to have your own passions and interests.

Quick relationship note: I once heard someone talk about compatibility and what they said really hit home. They said, compatibility isn’t liking and doing all the same things, it’s learning to respect and appreciate your differences. Justin doesn’t blog, but he respects I love it. I don’t know how to play Call of Duty, but I respect that Justin finds it fun. You get the idea. 

Respect will get you far in love and in life. Especially since change can bring on a lot of new and different experiences. I’m so appreciative of all the things I have and for the opportunities I’ve been given. Many of which would not have been possible without change and challenge. I encourage you to make yourself happy, in whatever capacity that may be. It could be right within reach, or a cross country plane ride away. You may never know if you don’t try! 

Oh, btw, Heidi is loving Sacramento too! Lots of cuddles and lots of squirrels!

Have a fabulous Monday!