Ladies and Gentlemen, Please Put Your Tray Tables In Their Upright Position....

It has been one week since the big move. One week that I have been on my own.  One week of finding our way and trying to determine what this is going to look like.  There have been some great highs, such as hearing the girls laughter fill up the house, or both sleeping so soundly from playing hard all day. There have also been some difficult lows; hearing how much they miss Michigan and everything that goes along with that, or random spurts of crying- take your pick from any of us at any given moment. 

But I am not going to lie.

I am a little sick of myself.

This behavior is SO not me- I am the positive one, yes we can, I can accomplish anything type of girl.  It is the difference between the glass half full and where the hell is the rest of my drink?  It is the difference between Eeyore and Tigger (and Tiggers are wonderful things). It is the difference between greeting each day as an opportunity to accomplish something great vs. gotta make the donuts. Well, you get the picture….

OK, so perhaps I should cut myself some slack- I did just end a relationship, move 4 states away with two kids and a dog, and left all I have known my entire life behind.  But to me these circumstances are just excuses.  And I can’t stand excuses.  My mind thinks, “This is what'cha got girl- make it happen!”  THAT is how I live- look at a situation and face it head on. 

So, what is the solution?

Put on your oxygen mask.

Let’s face it- I fly a lot; so much so that I could personally recite the Flight Attendant safety demonstration.  During their little speech, your friendly flight attendant will explicitly tell you in the event of an emergency or loss of cabin pressure a yellow oxygen masks will deploy from the ceiling compartment located above you. To secure, pull the mask towards you, secure the elastic strap to your head, and fasten it so it covers your mouth and nose. Even if the bag does not inflate, please keep in mind that oxygen is flowing. Breathe normally.

Got it.

So now, my yellow oxygen mask consists of connecting with college friends in the area, other co-workers, neighbors that I look forward to getting to know better and other neighbors I haven’t met yet.  Joining Atlanta PCW (Professional Career Women), 35UP!, Corporate Cocktail Weekly, and of course, Hockey Night in Atlanta.  It also means not skipping my workouts- following the 5k training program because it’s something that I want to prove to myself.  Being the best mom I can be, and not sweating the small stuff.  Finding a really good Yoga class. Making plans for my best friend to fly into town for a much needed girls weekend. Visiting my local farmers market.  Cooking a real dinner for me and the girls- every night. Still listening to music regardless of the memories.  Putting on my pretty little sun dresses with sassy shoes and a cute pedicure- just because. Laughing.  Remembering to exhale.

And you know what?  It does make me feel happier, and therefore the girls are happier.  We laugh, joke, and have fun, even though there is still a layer of sadness underneath the veil of sunshine.  I realized that who I am never really went away; I just lost sight of her for a while. My outlook on life is what drives me; it doesn’t have to be challenging or difficult just because it doesn’t fit into what I think it should be right now.  The reality is that it is exactly what it’s supposed to be right now. 

And even though it is still hard, and I am sad and missing what- and who- I have lost, I remind myself of everything that I still have- the love of two amazing kids, family and friends who support me, and a vast amount of potential and opportunity before me.  How lucky am I? 

So, does that mean that I have it all figured out?  That I have shed my last tear? Heck no!  But as I have told myself every morning when I wake up, I am one baby step closer to finding my way.  And yes, I realize that the plane hasn’t even left the tarmac yet.

Oh, and one last reminder...

Please make sure your seat belt is securely fastened at all times.

There is sure to be some turbulence along this flight.