This is it: today I fly to Strasbourg to begin my life with my soulmate.
Most people run off to another country to escape their life back home, but I assure you, I have nothing to run from.
I have a family that is loving, supportive, compassionate, and selfless.
I have the most outstanding set of friends who bring out the best in me.
I was working a job that paid really well and had me in a role working with the most vulnerable students; a passion and a daily reward.
I was in Canada, a country of opportunity.
I had no complaints, except for the fact that I was uninspired. And I was not with Jordan.
I always felt European (which makes sense, having been born from immigrant parents), and I’ve always been drawn to building a life on that side of the ocean because I find it endlessly inspiring, breath-taking, and the mentality of Europeans on what it means to truly live was the mindset I always kept for myself. Not to mention, all my favourite American writers – the authors that inspire me to be a writer – became expats in Europe and wrote some of their greatest novels while living a life on that side of the planet. My turn!
When Jordan was given a professional opportunity that would set him on a path to the success story he truly craved for himself, the decision to move was an easy one. I wasn’t done in France, and I have had (and continue to relish in) my own professional success; I was ready to see him smile, be more proud of himself, and feel more secure about the life we were building together. He earned this, he deserved this, and I was so proud of him and excited about all the growth opportunities that appeared to him. How could I not support the man I love?
When you love someone and want to have a prosperous, content, and amazing future together, you both take turns making sacrifices. My sacrifice, this time around, is stepping out of Canada and leaving a family who, while happy to see me following my heart, are themselves heartbroken at not seeing me once a week, as we usually do, at not being a drive away if I need them, at not being able to hug and hold me whenever they desire. And my friends all made me feel so loved as they held me tight and told me how much they will miss me, as well. There are people here who love me (and who I also love) who I am leaving behind.
But making the sacrifice was not a difficult decision, because I am so sure about a happy future with Jordan. It’s just so easy and comfortable with us. It has been from the very start. It has always felt normal and right when we are together. He is my very best friend, and we encourage one another to be better every single day, we push each other to be our best selves, we support one another in all our endeavors, and we both want the best for each other. And, ultimately, we want the best for our relationship.
This is really the best for us right now, and I couldn’t be more thrilled. I’m going back to the country I love into the arms of the man I adore, and we are going to start our forever.
Not to mention, my friends who know me best always told me I wouldn’t stay in Canada for long… I’m a wild, free-spirited bird, after all.
Who in life can say they’ve had all their dreams in life come true?
Who can say they followed their heart without fear, and jumped in with both feet?
I can say it with certainty. I have. I did it.
And I am so blessed.
xo
C
lifeofcloud 