It’s now been six months since my last blog post was published. Six. Months. I know exactly what’s been keeping me away, but putting those events and feelings into words, addressing the issue head on and moving forward, is easier said than done. I’ve been rewriting this post in my mind for months, trying to find the appropriate way to share where I’ve been. The solution never arrived. Finally I just sat down, and poured it all out, the good and the bad. In the end, I decided to shave off most of the complicated details and just focus on where I am today. I prefer to be an optimist and keep things lighthearted, both here and in real life, so I’ll sum things up for you as quickly as possible.
Where Have I Been?
If you’ve been following my adventures on Instagram, then you already know I got married this year! Dan and I had a beautiful intimate wedding just three months ago, and married life thus far has been good to us! We took a much-needed weekend trip to the South Carolina coast right after the wedding, and are currently planning a bigger honeymoon/anniversary trip somewhere in Europe for this time next year. I’m a planner by nature, so I actually enjoyed wedding planning for the most part. I loved organizing the little details, shopping for the perfect decor elements, and celebrating all the little victories and fun moments along the way. I loved the mini trips Dan and I took to visit potential venues, attend cake and catering tastings, and search for the perfect rehearsal dinner location. There were definitely a few meltdowns during planning, but those little snags seemed minor in comparison to the happiness I felt when the actual wedding day rolled around.
That’s not to say that life was all sunshine and rainbows during this time, of course. While experiencing some of the happiest days of my life, I was simultaneously grappling with some unexpected, potentially life-threatening personal health issues, the death of someone I love very much, and my subsequent descent into a depression that went on for months. I retreated into myself, and instead of finding comfort in introspection, I let my insecurities take over. I became the worst version of myself, and the worst part is, I couldn’t be bothered to care. The combined toll of these roadblocks meant that this blog didn’t just fall on the back burner – it almost went down in flames.
So what brought me back?
To put it simply, I got tired of not feeling like myself. I love to travel, to explore new places and seek out new things. I like to read, to laugh, to expand my horizons and to find inspiration in storytelling and music. Yet whenever I had a free moment, I wanted nothing more than to hide away and just go to sleep. I could feel myself slipping away, and after several months of feeling disgusted with myself, I decided it was time to do something to regain control.
I wanted my true self back, which began with a simple change in attitude. I began to make more of an effort to take care of myself, to talk to people and to let go of anger and disappointment. Instead of collapsing in an exhausted heap when I got home from work every day, I took some time to recharge and listen to music, or watch an episode of a favorite TV show. I found things that inspired me in the present, and things to look forward to in the future. Most importantly, I decided to renew my interest in the things that I think most define me as a person. Number one on my list was to get back into blogging. Even if it turns out that no one is listening, I am here to take back a huge part of my soul.
Here’s a glimpse of what I’ve been up to in 2018.
What’s Next?
Since our only big travel plans for the rest of the year involve visiting family for the holidays, expect a lot more local and regional travel-themed posts within Florida. Some of my favorite local events are coming up, but I also want to make more of an effort to branch out and explore Florida’s trails, small towns, and neighboring big cities. To kick things off, I would love to share a quick review of our honeymoon resort on Hilton Head Island! Dan and I went in blind, with just a hotel reservation and no real idea of what to expect, and we had such a great time on the coast, I’m almost tempted to abandon my over-planning ways and just see where life takes me on more future travels. We will see!
As far as big travel plans go, I just need to get a new passport with my married name and we can get started booking flights and hotels for our honeymoon! Dan and I have narrowed things down and we think we know where we are headed in the spring, but there is still time for us to be swayed if a good deal on our dream destination pops up at the last minute!
Outside of traveling more, I have a lot of exciting things coming up in my personal life. Since France is a big contender on our list of potential honeymoon destinations, I’ve been re-acquainting myself with the French language in an attempt to actually be able to speak to people if we do return in the spring. After our first trip to France in 2016, during which we could barely communicate with my own grandparents, Dan and I really want to make an effort to do better the second time around. I’m currently using DuoLingo as a daily practice tool, as well as listening to French music and studying old French textbooks for vocabulary and conjugation tables, but I’m welcome to suggestions if anyone knows a more efficient (and cost-effective) way to learn a new language!
I’ve really enjoyed the challenge of re-learning French, and it’s inspired me to go back to school in the fall so I can finally finish my degree. I dropped out a couple of years ago, because Creative Writing definitely seems like a field where I could learn more from real-world experience than in a classroom setting. Still, I’ve found that not having a four year degree has held me back in a lot of unexpected ways, so I’m headed back to school to finish the job once and for all. I might even throw in a minor to help me with the business end of my blog while I’m at it!
And if traveling, going to school, working full time and maintaining this beautiful blog aren’t enough on my plate, Dan and I are also preparing to buy our first home together!
We’ve been getting our finances in order and learning as much as we can about the home buying process over the last few months, and are hoping to buy our first place in 2019. You guys, those “hidden fees” are no joke! I’m eager to find the perfect place and have a little more room to spread out and grow, not to mention a chance to renovate and decorate our own space without all the restrictions of a rental property.
All things combined, I already feel more like myself. I’m looking forward to finishing out the year on a strong note, and to growing with Dan and seeing where life takes us. If you’re still here for the journey, stop by and say hello! I appreciate your support and would love to connect with each of you.
It isn’t always a change of scenery needed to make life better. Sometimes it simply requires opening your eyes.
– Richelle E. Goodrich
Shante Jenkins says
Beth, you are the best! Your story really touched me. Congrats again on getting married and good luck with all of your future endeavors. So glad you’re back 🙂
Adventuring the Great Wide Somewhere says
<3 Thanks Shante!
Sarah says
It’s nice to see you back. I’m sorry to hear you went through a rough period and am glad that things are looking up for you. Thank you for sharing—it must not have been easy! Happy 4th of July and good luck with school and finding a home!
Adventuring the Great Wide Somewhere says
Thank you Sarah! Definitely looking forward to what’s next. Hope you had a fun holiday as well!