Dear ATL,
This is a very bittersweet post to write. I’m actually tearing up as I write it, but its a mix of incredibly happy tears, tears full of some of the best memories of my life, and tears that are mourning the end of a very profound era that shaped who I am. For the last 20 years I’ve lived in the Atlanta, GA area. I learned almost everything I know here. I met all of my best friends here. I started my career and built a network here. I met the love of my life here. Although, he’s not an ATL native - he lives 4 hours away in Charlotte, NC. A city that I’ve grown a new love for as I explored bits and pieces of it during the short time we've been in this long(ish) distance relationship. And now, I am excited to share that it is my future home too! I’ve decided after a lot of deep thought, some letting go, and oodles of daydreaming that this is the move I need to make. My happiness in Georgia is dwindling and its because half of my light is two states away. I can feel as the season of Fall approaches that there are big changes ahead, and healthy ones that I am internally yearning for. I often crave a change of environment. And this change is not easy but it’s very exciting and I am also crying at the thought of waking up next to my best friend every day.
This is a very bittersweet post to write. I’m actually tearing up as I write it, but its a mix of incredibly happy tears, tears full of some of the best memories of my life, and tears that are mourning the end of a very profound era that shaped who I am. For the last 20 years I’ve lived in the Atlanta, GA area. I learned almost everything I know here. I met all of my best friends here. I started my career and built a network here. I met the love of my life here. Although, he’s not an ATL native - he lives 4 hours away in Charlotte, NC. A city that I’ve grown a new love for as I explored bits and pieces of it during the short time we've been in this long(ish) distance relationship. And now, I am excited to share that it is my future home too! I’ve decided after a lot of deep thought, some letting go, and oodles of daydreaming that this is the move I need to make. My happiness in Georgia is dwindling and its because half of my light is two states away. I can feel as the season of Fall approaches that there are big changes ahead, and healthy ones that I am internally yearning for. I often crave a change of environment. And this change is not easy but it’s very exciting and I am also crying at the thought of waking up next to my best friend every day.
There is nothing that will ever replace Atlanta as home for me. My family is still here, my siblings and my little niece and my puppy nephews, my parents who have always been there for me whenever I needed them. It’s going to be a big change no longer being 30 minutes from them. I told my mom on the phone the other day that I didn’t want to leave Georgia until they did and all she said was… ‘Why? Don't stay on our behalf..' I said I want to be there for them if they need help, and I love being able to pop in and just visit on a whim. They’ve relied on me a lot this year and I am so grateful that I have been able to be there for them because they have done the same for me my whole life. But my mom’s argument did not waiver. She knows how happy Brandon makes me, and how badly we want to begin our life together. I know they support my decision, and will definitely come visit us too. And theres no way I won’t be coming back to Atlanta on a monthly basis - any time a friend has a birthday or there’s a really good show or when I'm craving some Taqueria Tsunami. I don’t need much of an excuse to come back. And, I’m officially extending the invite to anyone reading this to come visit us in Charlotte once we move in to our new house!
I’ve decided (this morning actually) to move October 1st. So until then I will be soaking up all of my favorite things about Atlanta, spending time with those who mean the most to me, but also looking forward to spending Fall in Charlotte with Brandon and probably getting a pair of kittens as soon as humanly possible. We have a lot of goals that we want to achieve together, and some that I want to achieve on my own. Including blogging my way through this new adventure, brushing off my freelance skills and finally getting RJ Manifests up and running. In addition to finalizing my book and launching it! We also will help each other build a healthier lifestyle - more exercising and yoga and healthy cooking at home (send me your recipes please)! This new environment is going to catalyze the next phase of our life. A phase that will only make us stronger, lead to more opportunities, and make something more of our lives. This move will set us up for success, so Queen City here I come!
To all of my ATLiens, Atlanta friends and family.. everyone who has been a part of my experience here. Especially the ones who have stuck around for years, Thank You, from the bottom of my heart. I would not have fallen in love with this city if it wasn’t for the amazing people it attracts. Keep and eye out for details on a farewell party! You know I’m not leaving without one last celebration. Two promises: I will be back to visit and I’m only a FaceTime away. I love all of you so much, but Charlotte is pretty cool so come check it out and crash with us!
More to come…
All my love,
RJ
More to come…
All my love,
RJ
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