Hey Portland, Its Choygirl

Never in a million years did I think I would be a person to just pack up and move, for no real reason, other than "why not?" My life was always in California-- born and raised. South Bay at heart, always!

But I did it; I threw whatever would fit in my Honda Civic and drove the 900 miles up north. And after a year in Portland, I've learned a few things. Things about myself, about friendship and about life. While I am still (for will forever be) a California Girl through and through, I truly am so glad that something extraterrestrial took over my body and gave me the desire to make a change. Because life is about experiencing all there is to experience and about the lessons we learn along our way. So with that, here are just a few key things I have learned in my first year away from home.

The Beauty and Blessings in True Friendships

 One of the scariest parts of moving, for me, was leaving the amazing humans who blessed my life, daily. Leaving my tribe was such a paralyzing thought. Could I really survive so many miles away from the people I love? Would I really meet new people to love? Would the friendships I have and hold dear to me begin to dwindle away with the distance? If there was going to be one thing that stopped me from moving, it was the fear of losing my people. But if there is anything this move has taught me, it's that true friendship knows no distance. I have had sooo many people take time out of their lives and money out of their pockets to travel up to spend quality time with me. In the short 15 months that I have lived up here, I've had about 14 visitors, some of those people have come multiple times, and more plan to come before the year is up. That’s insane! While there has been some drop off with some people, because of the lack of accessibility, over all, I have seen the strength of true friendship. I would say I have even gotten closer to a lot of these people, which is not something I was expecting at all.
So to my amazing and wonderful friends: Thank you for supporting my journey, encouraging my growth, and for being along for the ride.
Sometimes a Little Silence from God Really Means "Jump"

 Before I told anyone about my plans to move, I did a lot of praying and seeking of God's guidance. When I finally decided this was really happening, I told people I felt like God was saying "go". But that wasn’t exactly the whole truth.
The truth is, I wasn’t hearing much of anything in those first few months where I wrestled alone with the idea. All I knew was that I wasn’t hearing a "no". There was never a defining "yes moment" for me when making the decision. But since I didn’t really feel any resistance to the idea and because I didn’t hear or feel like God was trying to guide me elsewhere, I decided it meant "Go." So I went. And looking back, I see what I have now learned. Sometimes in life we hold ourselves back when we don’t get a clear sign or that "God Moment" where He clearly shows us the path we are meant to take. We wait and think, "If you say nothing, you are saying no". But that isn't always the case. And when in life is anything ever completely clear?? (Hint: the answer is, almost never!) Sometimes a little silence means "Go! Take the leap of faith. Step out and trust that I've got you." And so I did. And when I did, I saw that when I give God the chance to move mountains and direct my path, He will. He will always show up for a heart that is ready and willing to trust Him.
Hey, This Is Choygirl

Most people know that I am a very social person. Alone time always seemed boring, and maybe even a little scary if I'm honest. But there's this thing about moving to a new place where you only know 1 person… you end up alone, A LOT. But I learned to be okay with that. I discovered how enjoy the solitude and to allow and embrace some self reflection. In that process, I learned a ton about myself. I realized that I am a person with more strength than I gave myself credit for (and that it's okay to say that out loud and to take pride in it). I came face to face with some of my personal weaknesses. Allowed myself to recognize my faults and fears; addressing them, accepting them, and learning to live despite them. I found out that it's possible to have fun just doing things by myself (I'm a pretty fun time, to be honest)! I found a lot of myself through this move, and have seen the growth and change one year can give a person. One of the best parts of this move has been being able to say "I'm Danielle" and then recognizing who that really is.

The last 15 months have been crazy. I can't believe it's already been that long since that initial drive up the 5. It has been quite the experience thus far and I am so excited for the life lessons and experiences that are to come!
The Portland Takeover Phase 1 has been completed. Phase 2 is now in action and I am so completely ready! #HeyPortlandItsChoygirl