This is a story of resilience, stress, and diving headfirst into the unknown.

For months, I felt stuck in Minneapolis. It wasn’t just the city weighing me down; I was struggling on all fronts. Professionally, mentally, and physically, I was burning out. Life in a big city wasn’t what I had envisioned. I was overwhelmed by the constant noise, the endless rush, and the stress of keeping up with everything. I realized I needed a change, and I needed it fast.

A Time-Sensitive Decision

The pressure hit when my lease was about to expire. The decision loomed: should I stay and renew for another year or take the plunge and move somewhere new? Deep down, I knew staying in Minneapolis wasn’t an option. I felt suffocated. So, I made the call to leave.

With only two weeks to figure everything out, I had to find a new place, pack up my life, and move across the country. Talk about a CLUSTER!

The Possibility of Salt Lake City

My sister had recently moved to Salt Lake City, Utah, and though I toyed with the idea of joining her, I wasn’t completely sold. Salt Lake City wasn’t even on my radar, honestly. But the more I thought about it, the more sense it made. I threw myself into researching the city as a distraction and made a massive list of potential apartments, ranking them for value, amenities, and location. Yet, despite my efforts, I was still hesitant.

Then, I found the apartment.

This place had everything: fantastic amenities, a hot tub, and views of the mountains that took my breath away. I reached out to the property manager, I explained my situation: I was across the country, had never even visited the area, and had no idea what I was getting myself into. She reassured me that this wasn’t unusual and even sent me photos of the exact unit I’d be living in, including those insane mountain views. That was the moment I knew I had to go for it.

A Leap of Faith

With only stepping foot in Utah as a tourist for a few days, I applied for the apartment. It was a leap of faith, and honestly, I was terrified. But something inside told me it was the right move.

Just as I was driving up to Duluth, Minnesota, for a hiking trip, a much-needed break, I got the call. My application was approved, and I had a move-in date. I immediately had to pull over on the side of the road just to process it. My way of processing consisted of screaming, cussing and crying. Once I calmed down, I realized that two weeks from then, I’d be moving to Salt Lake City, a city I barely knew, to an apartment I’d never seen in person. Once again, leaving all familiarity behind. It felt surreal.

Packing Up and Moving Out

Reality hit hard after my trip: I had just one week to pack up my entire life and move. They say moving is one of the most stressful things you can do, and organizing a cross-country move in just seven days? Is no fucking joke! But I kept reminding myself, “Never doubt, full send.” I was full sending that bitch!

At first, I didn’t know if I’d be renting a moving truck with a trailer hitch or hiring movers and flying out. Thankfully, my parents came to the rescue. My dad offered to drive the moving truck while I drove my car, and we planned out the trip together. Game, set, match. We mapped out every detail, including overnight stops along the way.

Turns out, I drive a bit faster than my dad, so I’d get ahead, book the hotel, and we’d meet up periodically along the route. Three days, 1,300 miles, and countless coffee stops later, we were almost to Salt Lake City, only to hit a snowstorm in Park City on I-80. This stretch of I-80 runs through a mountain pass, and after three long days of driving, we were exhausted, just an hour from our destination, when the snow hit. Let me tell you, I was white-knuckling it the rest of the way. Navigating a mountain canyon in a snowstorm is definitely not for the faint of heart.

Despite a few bumps along the way, like my bumper getting ripped off, everything went as planned. My dad and I drove from Minneapolis to Salt Lake City in three days, and it was an unforgettable journey. So many memories were made during that trip, ones I’ll cherish forever. Sharing that adventure with him meant the world to me, and I’m incredibly grateful for the effort, stress, and support both he and my mom gave me. I can’t thank them enough.

Settling In and Celebrating New Beginnings

Once we arrived, my mom flew out to meet us, turning the experience into a kind of family reunion. After unpacking and getting settled, we spent time exploring my new city. To celebrate, we had an unforgettable dinner at Log Haven, a cozy spot located in the mountains. Sitting there with my family, finally catching my breath, I knew I had made the right choice.

Reflections From the Mountains

Now, as I sit in my new apartment, staring at the mountains from my living room window, I can’t help but feel grateful.  And I couldn’t have done it without my family’s support. We orchestrated a move across the country in one week. I’m not trying to brag but that’s some pretty dope shit right there.

Looking back, it feels like a blur, packing up, saying goodbye, hitting the road but I know it was all worth it. Sometimes, you just have to take that leap, even if you don’t have all the answers.

So, if you’re feeling stuck, like I was, remember this: “Never Doubt, Full Send.” Embrace the unknown. You never know what’s waiting for you on the other side.

Much love to you all. Keep moving forward.