I am Home

Time has flown by and here we are at month nine in the United Kingdom. Is this real life? Yes I still ask myself that question from time to time. Crazy to think that in three months time it’ll be one year in the United Kingdom. Time sure does fly when you’re having fun.

“Everybody’s got dreams. I’ve got plans” -Clyde Barrow Bonnie & Clyde the Musical.

This whole move started out as a dream in 2011. I was 17 years old. My mental health was shit. I attempted the unthinkable and told virtually nobody until years later. I had one thing going for me that year, the band and choir trip to London, England. This American teen was going somewhere new. I hardly had down time as I was a band and choir kid. When I wasn’t with band I was with choir. I never felt so at home. The various accents, the sights, the culture. I was in my element and I knew it. I can recall the journey back to America asking Ms. Conrad our choir director if I could stay. She said no. I was bummed. But from that day onwards I was determined and adamant that I would one day live in England.

In 2014, I spent three weeks up north in Manchester, England. I was 20. I was back in the country I loved. Manchester is a whole new world from London. Again, the accents, the culture. I was just in awe and in love. I mean I was where my football team was based. (Red all the way. Win, lose, draw). Still battling mental health, but being in England I was myself and comfortable. The plane journey back to America had to once again happen and I once again was determined to get back there.

Fast forward seven years. A masters degree in filmmaking at a school in London. That’s it. That is the ticket out. 25 September 2021 I finally got my one way ticket to the United Kingdom. “It’ll all be alright. I’ll be home tonight. I’m coming back home.” -Michael Buble (Home).

I’d be lying if I said these last nine months have been all sunshine and rainbows. They certainly have not. I’ve had my fair share of shitty anxiety days, crying, and hiding away in my flat being the introvert I am.

It’s the fact that despite the not so good days, I am so much happier, so grateful and thankful I am here. So ready to continue my life on this island with severe bipolar weather. I have grown to love London albeit sometimes loathing it. I’ve made a life out here. I do not intend to leave this life.

England is home. It’ll forever be home. I never thought I’d be at the end of my twenties living out a teenage dream.

I’ve done some pretty cool things, met some pretty incredible people. Found more of myself and lost people on the way of navigating my person. But that’s okay! I’m happy. I’m healthy. I’m content.

Nine months flew by fast. I’m excited to see what God has for me next. Without the grace of God and the support of my family, I would not be where I am today. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for supporting me and following me on this journey.

All my love ❤️