Today marks 8 years since I moved to the UK from the States!
It was a no brainer when I made the decision during the early stages of the very long-distance relationship with Hubby and it has been the best decision of my life.
I can’t imagine how things would have been if I had stayed in the States. Leaving was such a big choice and one that has allowed me to grow in ways I never imagined. I mean come on – an introvert who hates talking on the phone to the point of refusing to ring up and order take away moving to another country where she doesn’t know anyone but the guy she’s spent less than a few months in person with over the course of a few years?
It’s crazy right?
I still hate talking on the phone and refuse to order food or answer the door.
But I have found my home. I still have conversations about where I’m from and how I came to live here and all that nonsense that doesn’t really matter anymore and every person I tell is surprised that I’m happier here than in the States and that still surprises me!
I have learned that no where is definitively better, it’s all about perspective and what each individual wants.
Personally, I’m happy to have left the States when I did. I feel like I got out when it was still somewhat good and reading tidbits of media that come out of there, especially more recently, I feel horrified. Things aren’t perfect anywhere you go, but I can honestly say I feel better for not being in the States. It’s not all bad, there are things I wish we had in the UK that are more available in some parts of the States – mostly healthier eating options really.
I haven’t been back to the States for what will be 3 years this December. My last trip over was great, but lacking greatly and the food… I felt so sick the whole time. I just wanted to come home, to the UK! So much so that I remember leaving about 4 hours earlier than we had to for the airport I was so eager to leave.
If I’m honest, I have no desire to go back. Even for a visit. There are a few places I wouldn’t mind seeing, mostly on the west coast, but I would probably keep to shorter visits. I’m more than happy exploring Europe, which is much cheaper and closer (and the beaches are gorgeous!). 🙂
So all in all, the past 8 years have been the best. And I owe a lot of that to just making one very easy choice! And meeting Hubby, of course! I couldn’t have done it without him. He gives me more happiness, love, support, courage, and comfort than I will ever need or deserve. So today I’m celebrating 8 years of getting to see him every day (mostly!) and not have 3,000 miles and an ocean between us.