I’ve crafted this post in my head a million times over the last 5 days – normally around 3:ooam. Apparently this is when I do my best thinking!! I’ve shared a few of my thoughts with friends and family over the last week, as I wrestled through them.
If I’m completely honest, I’m realizing that I was never supposed to stay in California. It doesn’t make it less sad or easier to leave, but it does give a little clarity. I’ve often wondered what my “superhero” skill set is…and often come up blank. This transition has made me realize that my strength is building community, connecting people and being a super-networker (as Curt calls me).
Building Community
When I came to the Bay Area, I quickly saw a need for a community of mothers amidst the crazy, busyness of Silicon Valley. I immersed myself in a few groups and then created my own through my Baby Boot Camp and Karna Fitness franchises. In 2010, I was awarded Franchise Owner of the Year and there is one main reason for that: I was recognized for the Community I built. Throughout the 15 years that we lived in San Jose and area, I sought out opportunities to deepen connections, build greater communities and network others. When I look back on the last year (granted a Pandemic year), what I realized is that I’ve been looking for opportunities to build community. However, in my network, there is no more building to be done. The connections have been made, the foundation has been layed and these communities are good to go – for which I’m incredibly grateful.
I don’t know if this makes sense, or is even coming out right. What I know, is that we leave behind in California and incredible group of people. The reason we can say our West Coast chapter lasted 15 years, is in part to Curt’s employment opportunity, and in part to our community. We leave a piece of our hearts in California and know that this is truly the end of a chapter and NOT the end of the story.
To all our amazing people, we love you and look forward to seeing you. And thank you. Thank you for loving me, loving my family and supporting us through the thick and thin. Oh and did I mention that our new home on the East Coast has an incredible guest room…just saying 😉