When Your Heart Feels At Home

Redefining your life takes on many shapes and forms. Sometimes, it's a full journey in and of itself, taking you in a direction you may never have anticipated. When your heart finds its home though, listen and lean into it.

I've been on a journey to redefine my life for 2 years now. Having gone through a life changing experience, if you're smart, will make you do an inventory of where you've been, how you got there and where you're going. Don't waste what happened staying rooted in your situation, if there's even a chance of making better choices for your future do it!

Also 2 years ago my son and I took a cross country trip that led us to Oklahoma. Having Native American in his ancestry my son was eager to see Oklahoma and I actually lived here in the late 80's so I had some background on the State. We drove to Oklahoma City (a/k/a The Big Friendly or The 405), planning to stay just 2 days, but 2 days turned to 5 days and lit a fire inside me for the State that I simply couldn't extinguish.

As I continued my journey of self-growth, discovery and redefinition I couldn't shake the desire to return to Oklahoma. It seemed like a natural decision really. When the time came for my parents, now both in their late 80's; to move closer to my brothers in Texas, I knew Oklahoma was the place for me to relocate. I began researching and planning my move. I knew it was the right path and everything was pointing in that direction. So I put in for my retirement from St. Petersburg College where I taught for 15 years, and set the wheels in motion. My son was graduating from high school and in fact did so in May so there was nothing holding me to Florida, at least not at the time.

So 3 weeks ago we drove to Oklahoma and began the process of property searching. As we entered the State from Arkansas I had an immediate sense of feeling I had just gotten home. You know that feeling of returning home after a long trip. That was the feeling, as my shoulders relaxed and a smile came across my face.

Back in Oklahoma after visiting Texas and New Mexico, I feel more at home now than I did 2 weeks ago. There's a reason they call Oklahoma City 'the Big Friendly.' Everyone is so nice and welcoming. From people you meet on the street to shop owners and employees you'll smile after your conversations and your mindset will be contagious as you spread that smile to others you pass and meet.

There is history in Oklahoma you can't find other places, with 38 Indian Tribes registered here. It is such a beautiful state with so much to offer and while I realize gladly, that Oklahoma isn't everyone's cup of tea, my point to this blog is to encourage you to lean in. Take a chance. Get outside your comfort zone. Explore your choices and understand that if redefining yourself means relocating, then do it. Find a way and do it.

There will be naysayers. There will be self-doubt. There will be challenges (more on that in another post). There will be frustrations, but there will be joys and laughter too. When your heart is telling you it's right, listen, especially if its shouting, lol. Listen to the Universe whether that's God to you or something else, listen and lean into it. Life is short, live it outside the lines on your terms.