Loving Life AND Feeling Homesick

Frozen treats after the beach make for fun memories.

Thank God for my inner circle.

For 10 years I dreamed of moving to the beach. Ten years. I thought about sitting by the ocean, walking in the early hours and meditating to the ebb and flow of the ocean. I dreamed of it. I used it as visualization when I was overwhelmed. I visited it each year for vacation. 

And now, I’m here, living my best life. And, I’m homesick for Charlottesville, VA. I knew this would come. I’d read about this 2-3 month hurdle everyone faces. I feel this ache that is dull, but there. At first, I couldn’t figure out what I was feeling. I’m busy. I’m meeting new people. I’m having a great time. I really am loving a wide variety of aspects of my new life. The heat and humidity are no joke here. I could leave that behind, but I love it here! And yet, there is the constant ache. 

And then it hit me. I’m homesick. Even though I was only in Charlottesville, Cville to the locals, for 16 years, it is where I came into my own. My children were 2 and 5 when we moved there. I got divorced that same year. I grew up and my kids grew up in Cville. I became a strong, independent woman with a strong sense of self in those 16 years. I figured out who I was and got out of an abusive marriage. Cville represents so much more than a place I lived while raising my children. It’s a symbol of my independence and Moxie! 

I also just took Finn to college and although they spent the summer with their dad and I had time to “prepare” for this transition, nothing can prepare you for the mental unwinding of your youngest child taking flight. Finn is doing fantastic! I am so incredibly proud of them. I love to get the occasional text and we even spoke by facetime last night. I got to hear about 3 or 4 hikes, their classes, their new job and the best part, their growing circle of friends. For my super shy young adult, this is truly music to my ears. I am delighted. 

And, I miss my baby. I miss hearing Finn sneeze about 10 times when they wake up. I miss hearing them laugh when they are with friends. I miss the resistant hug each morning. I miss seeing their wonderfully curly crazy bedhead, curls flopping every which way. 

Two of my dearest friends came to visit for the weekend and it was balm for my soul. We laughed, joked, talked, drank some wine and ate great food. We went to the beach, a truly terrible outdoor concert for porchello, walked downtown, ate more, bonded and did I say laugh? It was just what I needed. By the end of the weekend, I felt grounded again. My peeps were with me and I rejoiced in their company. That is the beauty of having a strong inner circle. 

These are people who you can strip down to your bra and panties in front of to make a quick change and we don’t bat an eye. These are the peeps that clear the dishes and load the dishwasher before you can even get up. These are the women who cheer you on, cry with your sorrow and build you up. These are the queens who rally around you and ground you when you are feeling homesick. I am so incredibly grateful and I want that for you, too.

Queens of Moxie is all about creating joy, purpose and community. My upcoming course, Reclaim your Moxie has an entire module devoted to finding your inner circle. I want you to have what I have: A group of amazing women who are your soul sisters. The ones who laugh with you, cry with you and hold and support you. Want to find your inner circle?

Want to learn more about my course starting in October? Let’s talk!