A Risk I Took a Year Ago
A year ago, I took one of the biggest risks of my life and moved to Austin, Texas. As a native Texan from the Houston area, some may not see it as too big of a change, but moving away from my comfort zone into completely uncharted waters was still a risk I was willing to take. I had and still sometimes have yet to learn what I'm doing. I go back and forth about whether it was the right decision, but I've realized that I made the decision, and it is what it is. When people ask me how life is in Austin, I often say I'm still figuring things out. Settling into a new city takes time, and I've loved the area, the nature, and the beautiful Texas Hill Country. I’m convinced that God spent extra time creating the Texas Hill Country. I appreciate the emphasis on health and wellness in many industries and the thriving music scene.
I decided to take a risk because I felt like I needed a shift in my life. After dealing with some health issues in early 2023 and feeling stuck since graduating college in 2017, I wanted to experience new things and meet new people. Even though moving didn't change everything, it did change quite a bit. However, I still need help with many of the same battles. It hasn't been easy either; I have constantly been in a few deep trenches since moving.
About three weeks after I moved, I experienced my first-ever panic attack, which was most likely induced by also having deficient ferritin levels. I remember calling 9-1-1 as I was convinced I was having a heart attack at 28. I can recall every detail of that day; it was such a weird experience. Then, about another three weeks passed by, and I found out that one of my best friends had passed away. The shock and heartbreak I had after hearing that news was heart-wrenching. She was one of my closest friends who lived in Austin, and I was looking forward to spending more time with her, but I never got that chance.
After those two instances, it was relatively quiet in my life; I'm unsure if I could have handled another life-changing experience. God has used this time to help me grow closer to Him in many ways, for which I am grateful. I have experienced a few different churches, small groups, and a lot of alone time speaking to Him while I'm on walks, doing the dishes, praying before bed, and so many other times. In March of 2024, almost after a year of living in Austin, I was in a wreck outside of a church I had been attending. I was mentally sent into a tailspin. It made me question a lot of things and caused my financial stress to increase. I believe it was a small spiritual battle and a reminder from God that I can only control so much. I needed to slow down a bit and surrender.
I had been battling with many thoughts about my health, apartment, finances, moving, and more. I finally realized I needed to write down these thoughts every time they came up, as it was simply too much for me to handle alone. I know that God has always provided for me and has a plan for my life. I need to trust in Him and believe everything will work out.
Despite the difficulties I have faced within the last year, there has been a lot of good in the past year, and I try my best to focus on that. I have started my own business, helped others with theirs, and met some amazing people. I have even stepped out of my comfort zone and tried new things. But it is hard for me not to take life too seriously, as I tend to feel everything deeply and focus on the negative, which has been so hard to rewire. With this move, I have learned so much about myself, and I'm grateful for the growth that has come from it.
I share all this to help anyone who may have stepped out in faith yet feel like they can't catch a break. You and I took the risk for a reason, and we may only know that reason once we meet Jesus face-to-face. But we must remember that He is always with us, and we can confide in Him. It reminds me of when God brought the people of Egypt through the wilderness. They couldn't see anything but hardship around them and grumbled and complained about leaving their comfort zone.
But growth doesn't happen in comfort zones, and we need to have faith that God knows what is best for us. So take that risk, whatever it may be, and know that God is with you. Don't rush it or put too much pressure on yourself, God, or time. If it doesn't work out, that's okay because God is still good. Trust in Him, and everything will fall into place.
“The Lord said to Moses and Aaron: “How long will this wicked community grumble against me? I have heard the complaints of these grumbling Israelites.” Numbers 14:26 - 27
“Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” Isaiah 43:19
“Therefore, behold, I will allure her, and bring her into the wilderness, and speak tenderly to her. And there I will give her her vineyards and make the Valley of Achor a door of hope. And there she shall answer as in the days of her youth, as at the time when she came out of the land of Egypt.” Hosea 2:14-15
