The Path to Change

    I had the wonderful pleasure of crossing paths with my dear friend Jacob in Lincoln, Nebraska this week as I have been making my way “home” to my comfort zone in South Dakota/Minnesota. We discussed the recycling phase of coming home after a long journey and the conversations were exactly what I needed right at that moment, at the end of my adventure around the United States. The drive into South Dakota was long and I could feel the anticipation of seeing my friends and family build up so much pressure that upon pulling off the interstate into my hometown I was a tearful mess. But the moment I opened the door to my mother’s house, it felt as if I had never left. What a weird feeling… to have been on such a tremendous, life-changing roller coaster ride for the last 6 months, and to step off of it and not feel any vertigo or stupor. Maybe it just hasn’t sunk in yet. Maybe because, to my folks, 6 months isn’t a long time at all when you have a comfortable day in/day out routine in the same dwelling as you’ve had for years. Maybe I just haven’t gotten truly “home” yet. I don’t even really know where home is, but my only guess is that it’s where my heart is. I wear it with me, like a turtle has its shell; and when I’m among my friends and family, I feel my shell warm up with love and joy.

    I’ve learned, experienced, and seen so much in the last 6 months. I want to share all of my stories with everyone (which only the tip of the iceberg has made it to this blog), and I want to hear about everything I’ve missed. Even though I highly overestimated how wonderful it would feel to be here in SD/MN again, it still feels good to be around familiar faces and places. My heart is being pulled in so many directions, but the strongest tug is the voice calling me to work with the circus in January. My two amazing friends Paige and Isaac are likely to be joining me, and if that’s the case, I will be doing what I love–traveling and learning–with people who share my passion for bettering ourselves and the world. After traveling solo for so long, you can imagine how grateful I am to have friends that are enthusiastic to team up. It’s nearing the end of another chapter, since the beginning of the last one back in North Carolina. I’m almost ready to step right back onto this rollercoaster ride—but not one minute before I soak up all the hugs and giggles from my nieces and nephews, the holiday feasts and lovely company of the rest of my dear family, and the good vibes and conversations from my beloved friends.

“I know you must go soon, so go plant good seeds. And be careful which of the two wolves that you feed.”
(As always… thanks, Wookiefoot)

The Two Wolves
An old Cherokee was teaching his grandchildren about life. He said to them, “A battle is raging inside me … it is a terrible fight between two wolves. One wolf represents fear, anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority and ego. The other stands for joy, peace, love, hope, sharing, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, friendship, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith.” The old man fixed the children with a firm stare. “This same fight is going on inside you, and inside every other person, too.” They thought about it for a minute and then one child asked his grandfather, “Which wolf will win?”
The old Cherokee replied: “The one you feed.”

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I still have no house to call home. But I'm not homeless, no, I'm home free. <3

Made it to the West Coast, and soon after was incredibly eager to run back home to tell the story.

Shout out to my two favorite buds from Los Angeles. You guys sure made that dreadful city worth visiting!!

This will definitely be a painting someday

"Not all who wander are lost"

Utah is stunning

Welcome home to Minnesota! Here are subzero temperatures and winter travel advisories!!!  :)

        So so so much peace to you all. Happy holidays and make sure to give hugs and squishes to all of your loved ones... you never know when our good Mother Earth will welcome them home. <3