on taking my own advice

and new adventures

Big changes are happening in the Meadows household this week. Our family of six (+ three dogs) is packing up and moving all the way from Texas to Michigan. We’re trading shorts-and-sandals weather for jackets-and-hats weather. Deserts for green grass. Sweltering summers for freezing winters.

not an ad for home depot. in fact, the opposite lol

We have a million and one things to go through and pack, a house to clean, errands to run, and real food to track down several times a day. (Turns out we can’t just eat cereal for every meal? Who knew?) And because there aren’t enough things going on, a raccoon took a giant bite out of my dog and she needed to be stitched up yesterday. She’s currently glaring at me from the middle of her plastic cone, but she’s doing well.

So, naturally, instead of doing any of the things I should be, I’m procrastinating by writing about it. (R.I.P. To Do List, I’m talking to my friends!)

Moving to Michigan is something my husband and I have dreamed about for years, but it was always the kind of dream that ended with maybe someday or it’s not really possible.

Then, you all happened. You picked up my books, read them, told your friends about them, and cheered for my journey with an enthusiasm I never saw coming. Your support made this dream a reality, and I can’t thank you enough.

Now, I won’t lie to you— I’m feeling every emotion under the sun. Even though I know in my gut that we’re making the right decision, moving across the country is still a huge risk. My anxiety-riddled brain has been on a roller coaster of what ifs and oh nos. I’ve been trying to predict every possible outcome and plan for anything that could go wrong.

And, full disclosure, there have been a lot of setbacks already. So many it’s almost funny. (I’m not quite to the point of laughing yet, but maybe one day? Hopefully?)

This morning, though, I had an epiphany. I was mid-latte, staring into the abyss of our empty moving truck, trying to make sense of everything in my head, and desperately needing a pep talk. My dog wasn’t in the mood to give me one, so I started wondering how I would write that pep talk. If this were a romance novel, what advice would I give the character version of myself?

I’ve made it my job to write happily-ever-afters. I convince my main characters they can take risks and follow their dreams and chase the life they’re looking for. I help them learn to be brave and put their hearts on the line, even when things seem difficult.

And here I am doubting if I can do the same?

Maybe it’s about time I started taking my own advice.

In a romance novel (written by me or literally any other romance author ever), character-Jillian would take the risk. She’d chase down the life she’s dreaming up for her family. She’d stretch a little further to reach for the stars. She’d trust the feeling in her gut and follow that tug in her heart. Take a leap of faith, even if the ground seemed a little unsteady.

It’s the same advice I would give to my daughters, siblings, and friends. I’d tell them how much I believe in them and how hard I’ll be cheering for their success.

That doesn’t mean everything will be perfect. We’re all bound to hit a little (more) conflict. The road will get bumpy and unexpectedly curvy, and I may need you all to remind me to circle back to this pep talk every once in a while.

But I genuinely believe our happily-ever-after is on the other side.

So this is the main character energy I’m channeling this week. With my heart in my throat and my hands on the steering wheel (and probably some tears in my eyes), I’ll be driving my family to our next adventure. We have new places to explore, friends to meet, and core memories to make happen. There’s a life full of big smiles and deep belly laughs around the corner. I can feel it.

cheers, texas

Thanks for coming along for the ride, friends. It’s going to be a good one.

xo Jillian

p.s. please leave a comment with your favorite road trip song, because we need some good vibes while we’re driving this weekend ;)