Aside from missing my friends and family in Texas, I am the happiest that I have been in a while.”

I recently shared this in a text to my sister, Naja. She immediately responded with genuine joy for me. Prior to moving to California, she was one of my main cheerleaders, encouraging me to take the risk and live my life by moving to a new place. She personally understands the reward that comes with taking a leap of faith. She has journeyed back and forth from Dallas to Austin to Canada to Austin to France to Dallas, and now she is in France once again.

So when I shared with her that I was happy after living in my new home for a month, I knew that she would understand.

It isn’t that I was sad, or upset with Texas itself. No, I couldn’t put blame on a location for my happiness. It was the routine, the stagnant feeling, and the comfort that was making me unhappy. I was lacking the inspiration that I needed and I knew that I was headed towards change. Now, please don’t think that I am crazy for not embracing a comfortable lifestyle. Plenty of people have chaos surrounding them and they desperately desire stability and an easy-going routine. I was incredibly grateful for my job, the ability to walk to work, and for my friends and family. 

But if I am being honest, I wasn’t happy.

I also want to clarify that I know our happiness and contentment comes from Jesus Christ. So before you get ready to email me with scripture that I am already familiar with, hear me out. Jesus definitely sustained me during several seasons that led up to this move. Especially during the waiting season. Reading both Isaiah and Daniel, along with spontaneous worship sessions, and celebrating my book release brought me incredible joy while in Texas. He is truly where we find our hope, peace, joy, and happiness.

But I dare to say that He challenged me to reflect on my life. The vision/purpose that He had already shown me, the things that I was the most passionate about, and the things that I really enjoyed. He led me to reflect on what was working for me, and what needed to change.

You see, oftentimes, we neglect to go after things that make us happy, or bring us joy, because we are so comfortable in our routine. Or we can be so out of touch with God and ourselves, that we don’t know what we’re passionate about or what makes us happy. 

While reflecting, I realized that living in Texas wasn’t leading me towards anything that God had revealed to me. It was time for a change. And I am SO glad that I took the step towards the unknown. 

Now that I am in California, I am the happiest that I have been in a while. Sure, it has definitely had some growing pains and adjustments. It is SO important to share that because California itself isn’t what brought me the joy I am feeling now.

Along with Jesus, being in a new city, Oakland, California, around new faces, new opportunities, new hobbies, and a new routine has contributed to my happiness. 

I have rekindled my passion for fitness, going back to boxing classes four years later, and picking up as if I never missed a day. There are also so many healthy food options here and I live less than a mile from a 3.5-mile lake, which gets me out of the house to walk it. 

I have been going to weekly bible studies, laughing with new faces and connecting with new powerful women who love Jesus and a good time.

I have been bonding with my roommate and now friend Alexa, and gaining insight on why God connected our pathways.

I feel inspiration everywhere. The Bay Area is fast-paced, yet provides places to relax and recharge. Creativity and writing inspiration is everywhere, and I couldn’t be happier or inspired to grow in new ways.

My fur babies love it! I have been able to bring my dog, Daisee, practically everywhere because California is so dog-friendly.

The weather and nature here are breathtaking year-round. Which is important to me as I LOVE being outdoors (when it isn’t cold or blazing hot as the weather in Texas). We also have so many mountains, trees, lakes, and of course the ocean that I have yet to visit!

Working from home has TRULY blessed me. While I am grateful for my job, being in a dimly lit office in a cubicle was beginning to stress me out. I needed the sun, an inspiring workspace, and of course, the ability to work anywhere.

And almost every day has felt like an adventure. This is probably because I have to walk, take a scooter, or the subway everywhere (team no car for over 1 year now).

So what is it for you? 

Is it finding a new hobby? Adding meditation into your hectic schedule? Taking a break from social media? Moving to a new city? Applying for a new job? Going back to school to go after the degree? Taking on acting classes? 

You know what it is that you should be pursuing this year.

The word God gave me for 2020 was “activate”. Activate every God-given gift inside of you. Go after it unapologetically. Activate every dream, by taking steps towards it. Activate new growth by healing and being intentional with checking on yourself. 

Activate.

So yes, while I have my moments where I miss my friends and family, I am the happiest that I have been in a while.