My California Decaversary

 Tonight will mark a decade since my plane touched down in Ontario, California and my life was changed in ways I never could have expected. When I was moving out here from Tennessee, I didn't want to come. I wanted to stay in Tennessee. I was scared to let go of the place I had called home since I was in diapers. I was scared to move to somewhere that I knew very little about. I only came because the alternative was starving to death in a drafty old house. Sometimes, it's best when the choice is simply life or death.

My life has had many twists and turns that I could have never dreamed of, just because I came to California. Many good and many bad. I've made friends and enemies. I've had extreme mental breakdowns and moments of pure joy. I've been to concerts, conventions, sporting events, National Parks, and even the taping of a TV show. I've seen things that I had only ever dreamed I'd see!

California is more than a state, to me. It's the symbol of a new life. The dawn I thought would never come. Before moving out here, I didn't realize how messed up I really am from living in Tennessee. Living in California gave me perspective and allowed me to grow. My therapist and I agree that moving to California was my salvation. I won't elaborate on the specifics, but if you already know why then you just know.

Despite the dark times, some of which were almost the absolute end of me, moving to California has been the greatest thing I could have ever done. I hope that you all find your own personal California, if you haven't already.