One Year Gone Wild: Trading Paradise for Pines and Finding My New North Star

One year. Just two simple words, yet they hold the weight of a thousand memories, a tidal wave of change that swept us from sun-drenched shores to the whispering embrace of towering pines. It feels both like a lifetime ago and a fleeting dream, the scent of salt air replaced by the crisp, clean fragrance of the forest.

Remember the frantic flurry of packing, the bittersweet goodbyes whispered under swaying palm trees? This past weekend, those echoes reverberated through my soul, a poignant reminder of the audacious leap we took, trading the familiar comfort of ocean waves for the uncharted territories of lakes and rivers. It's humbling to realize how profoundly life can pivot in the span of a single revolution around the sun – a mere heartbeat in the grand scheme, yet a seismic shift in our personal universe.

But this year hasn't just been about a change of scenery. It's been a visceral transformation, a recalibration that hums beneath the surface of everyday life. I've learned that change isn't just a postcard-worthy landscape; it's a deeply personal rhythm, a new tempo that my heart is slowly learning to dance to. And, in a rather unwelcome plot twist, it seems my skin is also finding its own unique way to express this internal upheaval. 🫠

Witnessing the evolution of my business and personal life over the past year has been nothing short of exhilarating. Like a river carving a new path, we've navigated unexpected currents, discovered hidden strengths, and emerged with a resilience I didn't know I possessed. My heart, my family, and my livelihood have all intertwined, finding a surprising harmony in this wild, wonderful relocation to Bend.

And then there's the curious case of 8:08. Every single dawn and dusk, without fail, that number stares back at me from the digital glow of my phone or the kitchen clock. It's become my daily touchstone, a subtle wink from the universe, a gentle nudge to keep the warmth and open spirit of "aloha" alive within me, a constant reminder of where we came from and the essence we carry within.

This past year has been a powerful testament to the courage of embracing the unknown, the beauty of unexpected detours, and the profound capacity for growth that lies within us all. It's a story of trading one paradise for another, not just in landscape, but in the deeper, more meaningful rhythms of life.

So, here's to the wildness of change, the beauty of adaptation, and the magic of finding our new north star amidst the pines.