CFC Blog #247: The Way the Cards Fell

I have been lucky enough to work alongside Jayme (physically! ... before Covid) in Manhattan a couple years back, and to get to know her and see her beautiful work in graphic and layout design. Her efforts in this area have greatly contributed to making our CFC website more user-friendly, organized, and appealing to the eye. Now, she has even written a 60-second thought for our community!

Quick backstory on this - I had asked Jayme if she would share a grateful-themed anti pet peeve. She responded back with something truly moving and wonderfully-written, and I loved her personal story and the message behind it. So I asked if she would expand on it a bit more. And she immediately did! I hope you enjoy this blog from Jayme.

-Amanda

The Way the Cards Fell

Over a proud 7-year stretch from my 20s into my 30s, NYC was my home. Nicknaming myself a "Midwestern Brooklynite" (to the alarm of many family members) I plunged into growing, learning, and bumping along these tough new boroughs of life.

I really had no intention to call Wisconsin home again. To me, it equated to "moving backward". And once you experience the kind of growth NYC gifts you (and/or shoves in your face) - who wants that?

That is why when I decided to make remote freelance a reality, I decided I would move to a more affordable, yet exciting new city. Nashville? Montreal? New Orleans? I was all over the board in terms of where my pin would land. "Until I decide on my next city," I told myself, "why don't I stay with my parents in Wisconsin for a short time. 6 months tops. Save some money. And plan my next adventure."

It's funny how I think I know what is best for me (i.e. for me, new city, far away = happiness), when actually... something else entirely is what I will actually need.

Looking back, it feels as though the universe nudged me to move to Wisconsin during that 6-month period because it mysteriously and divinely knew what I would need during the unforeseen Covid19 chapter around the corner: access to family, a support-system, affordable rent :).

Had I rushed off to a new city, this unprecedented chapter would have been a lot harder. I would have had to quarantine alone in a place where I didn't know anyone, all while navigating being self-employed during a pandemic.

Therefore when I look back over this year, the way the cards fell actually makes me smile. I am incredibly grateful for not only the quality time with my parents but the chance to re-experience and appreciate the beauty Wisconsin has. All this time, I have been adapting to a new adventure after all - near what I am realizing more and more, makes me feel whole.