My adventure started off a bang (literally) with fireworks atop a Ferris wheel in North Carolina.
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Many people were surprised to learn that Winston-Salem was my first stop on the journey. But for me, it was symbolic to go some place where the seasons change. In a way, North Carolina was a season of change for me - the end my old life in Miami, and the start of new life on the road. Life will never be the same. I’m learning what it’s like to live out of a suitcase, make new friends, and find a sense of community in every new place i visit. ⠀⠀
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North Carolina provided that sense of community from the moment I stepped off the plane. Thanks to my friend Johnna I had a wonderful support system of awesome people to help me kick off my adventure. She introduced me to the Camel City Crossfit community, who made me feel right at home from the moment I walked in the door. Johnna even took me the world famous Winston-Salem fair where we got to ride all. the. rides.
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More importantly, Johnna was the catalyst for me leaning into my emotions. Leaving my old life behind was hard, and I experienced a lot of emotional pain that I was afraid to deal with and share with other people, especially on social media. She encouraged me to explore those feelings, created a safe space for me to communicate openly, and offered meaningful support. Johnna, you helped change my life in such a meaningful way, and I’ll always be grateful for that, and of course, for that stuffed animal you won me at the carnival.
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Leaves change. Lives changes. We change. But the first stop on my journey will never change. And I’m glad North Carolina was it. ⠀⠀⠀⠀