When it comes to life, you’ll never hear me say “everything happens for a reason,” “it’s a sign,” and “when one door closes another opens.” The truth is simple: we forge our own paths, choose our destinations, and make things happen. Whether right or wrong, our intuition steers us like a compass and helps us realize that the only way to move forward is to leap. As I tell you the big news that brought you here, I’m trying to inhale and exhale accordingly! In two weeks, I’ll be packing up my 2008 Hyundai Tiburon and embarking on trip to Houston, Texas — a permanent one! I can’t say that everything happens for a reason, but I can tell you that life is capriciously awe-inspiring.
There’s one thing you should know about me before I continue: I go through a series of ridiculous hoops to avoid making life-changing decisions. Things as little as picking a restaurant to eat at can often stump me. When there’s a major or even minimally life-changing decision to be made, I enlist the help of my mother, father and the 20 closest friends in my phonebook. Making the decision to move to Houston was not even a baby step, but a big unabating leap to meet a more independent Jillian.
Moving to a new city is something I’ve thought of for years, but could never quite work out. My past searches have included the act of looking through shady apartments in gypsy housing groups and thinking “Well, I guess I can fit a twin bed in that room,” accepting that I’d live on a diet of happy hour and ramen noodles, and just fearing the drastic change I’d be bringing on myself and those who care about me. Uprooting for the first time is terrifying, but it doesn’t mean it’s less important.
So what brings this South Florida girl to the Lone Star State? Dear family, a new social media job, a kind boyfriend, an adorable corgi, and the idea that life is made for taking chances. At only 25 years old, I think it’s safe for me to say no one is meant to live in one city forever. There’s so much of the world to see, crowds of new faces to meet, and an uncharted territory filled with stories to share. If anyone told me back in February that my life would change SO drastically and opportunities would be abounding, I’d never believe them. But I’m here, changing completely, and ready to say that I didn’t stare at those doors and wait for a kind stranger to open them for me — I broke them down.
Just months ago I complained of a quarter-life crisis and many of you have shared amazing feedback to let me know you feel the same. Why call it a crisis? What if your feeling of collapsing on your twenty-something-self is just a calling for change? A new job, new relationship, new city, new adventure, new hobby — these things aren’t simple, but they’re the sun coming behind the storm cloud. Why wait for the weather to clear up, when you can make your own sunshine?
I’m not bold enough to say I’ve ended my years of the “quarter-life crisis,” just ready to say it’s not a crisis at all. My life is changing in an exciting way and it will continue to change as long as I’m aware that I’m in control. I’m definitely not ready to give up my “Miami blogger” status, so I plan to be present as much as possible in both cities. I’m typing through tears as I write this, but if one thing is certain it’s that this will always be my home. I’m going through the phases of missing my relatives even though we’re in the same room, admiring the old hiding spots of the house I grew up in, calling my friends just to hear their voices, taking the exit to Miami Beach and staring at the cerulean blue water and perfect skyline. I’ll never get enough of this city, but at the end of the day it’s important to remember that your birthplace is a place. . .it will always be there waiting for you with its memories.
So what does this all mean for Cup of Charisma? I can’t share my insights on life with you until I experience more of it. Translation: a slew of new content and outlooks will be coming to a screen near you. A life free of change would make me a pretty poor writer, right? There will still be style and lots of social good to be shared. There will be far more oak trees with the occasional cameo of palm trees in the Magic City. The scenery may change, the message may shift, but I’m learning new things and taking you with me.
People say grow where you are planted. I say just grow.
Thank you for being part of my journey over the last nine months. I’ve made amazing friends both in-person and across the world. Cup of Charisma has opened more doors for me than I’ve ever imagined. It’s amazing what something as silly as sharing your thoughts and tips online can accomplish. Your comments, feedback, stories and existence make my life brighter and more purposeful. While I take on this leap, I feel comforted to know that I’m anything but “alone” with you by my side.
What I’m really trying to say is…
Pack your bags (but please ditch the cowboy boots), we’re going to Texas!
The Florida-themed necklace and note book are a little something I picked up from Wynwood Letterpress.
Fact: I’ve always been a daddy’s girl.
I’ve grown up in this house for the last 25 years. I used to build Pocahontas tents in the front lawn, eat watermelon by a pool infested with what my sister said were “micro-sized sharks” and one time sprained my ankle riding at practically 0 incline on a Razor scooter. The life of times of little Jillian. My parents will be selling this house in the upcoming months. Sheesh… life is what happens when you’re making other plans.
[Pictured] Wynwood Letterpress “Blackbird Letterpress Florida Notebook & Necklace,” Sseko coin purse, Forever 21 wedges, Baublebar arrow bracelet, H&M palm tree skirt, Elle Luna’s “The Crossroads of Should and Must,” and Potter Style’s “Do One Thing Everyday That Scares You” journal.
[Not Pictured] Courage, excitement, nostalgia and unconditional love.
