Sunday, May 29, 2022, was the day I arrived at Missouri River Ranch. I was nervous to be living without my parents for the first time in an entirely new state. I knew no one. I had no idea what I was getting myself into.
My mom drove 13 hours to Montana with me. After spending two days at the ranch, I dropped my mom off at the airport. She had to go back home and couldn't stay with me any longer. I expressed my worries to her. My fears of not doing well in Montana. My fears of letting people down and not living up to the expectations of the staff. I was afraid I led people on in my interview and possibly was making the wrong decision to be here for the summer. My mom told me that I would do great here. She said I would make the most of it and impress everyone around me. I didn't believe my mother. I was still worried after coming back to the ranch that day by myself.
Well, let me tell you. None of my fears became a reality. The opposite happened. My dreams became a reality.
I was happy again. I found true joy living in a new state. I needed a change. I needed new surroundings to get out of my own head. Being here was mentally clearing. From the orange sunsets to evergreen pine trees, I was detoxing myself of negativity. I focused on the beautiful details around me.
I started to really think about what was making me unhappy back home. Why I couldn't just be my old self again. I made those changes and found myself.
I FOUND MYSELF.
I began to giggle more and smile. I felt safe at Missouri River Ranch and let the true me shine. I danced around the kitchen during dinner service and got lost in conversation with my coworkers. I became obsessed with the natural beauty of Craig, Montana. My inner child came out to play. I couldn't believe that I was changing for the better.
I showed up every day for my internship and ENJOYED every moment. I was happy being of service to others. I was finding my purpose in life. I was finding out that hospitality was the right industry for me.
I'm not saying that moving away from home is the way to find happiness...but moving away definitely gives you a fresh perspective on your life. It allows you to be grateful for the present and look forward to the future.
All that matters in life is being happy and showing up for yourself. That's when you'll be joyful. You'll be proud of your decisions and have no regrets. You won't take things so seriously and actually have fun for a change. You'll form attachments to people you never knew you needed. And you'll appreciate the little things that make life 100x better.
It's epic adventures like moving to Montana for the first time that makes life worth living.
With Joy,
Christen
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