Society, fear, and the busyness of human life allow room for regrets to grow. And if unacknowledged, leaves room for some to be suffocated by regrets. 

I realized that I was someone suffocated by regrets. Looking in, my life was partly a compilation of regrets. Missed chances to follow dreams. Missed opportunities to be my silly self and to speak my truth. Missed moments to try new things or connect with new people. And for what?

Then I had a universal "aha" moment… it was ME holding myself back. I felt comfortable and secure in the life I was living, but thoughts to do more and step outside my comfort zone kept nagging me despite my fears.

One thought in particular had been on my mind for years…I wanted to move from Oregon to a desert state. And as each year came by, I buried my dream of moving due to my fear of the unknown. That is until the winter of 2023. Something in my brain clicked and I knew it was time to take a leap and move.

I experienced a lot of anxiety and dissociated with life while waiting for my move in August of 2024. Some days I wanted to cave in and stay in my happy abode in Oregon - why move when I essentially had all I needed? And yet, I knew it was something I needed to follow through with. I mean, I could always move back to Oregon right? So why not take the chance instead of living with the regret of never trying?

Moving was definitely one of the hardest things I’ve done for myself, but it has also been so rewarding in so many ways. Without moving I would have never experienced the deadly Cookes peak hike, the Hatch Chile festival, the beautiful New Mexico skies, reconnecting with distant family, and so much more. I am extremely proud of myself.

It’s still been one big learning curve, but I’m thankful to be where I am now. This world is vast - so many experiences to be had and so many people to meet. There’s no time for me to bury myself in regrets.

It’s time to continue living!

Thanks for reading!

Love, Sam. 💛

Last night in Oregon before my move!

Pit stop in Arizona on my way to New Mexico!

Passenger princess during the drive!