The dazzling lights of Chicago now twinkle in the rearview mirror, slowly fading into the horizon. My heart holds a bittersweet ache, a quiet sadness that our amazing Windy City adventure has come to its official close. But, if I’m being entirely honest, as I pulled away from the biting December wind, I can’t lie—I’m also glad to be out of that cold! My Texas blood, accustomed to a more generous warmth, is already craving the familiar plains and a less aggressive climate.
Despite the lingering chill in the air (and in my bones!), my soul is overflowing with warmth. I am so incredibly thankful for every precious moment I got to spend with Matthew, my amazing partner. This trip, this entire past few months, has been a symphony of shared laughter, deep conversations, and the profound joy of making memories together. To experience the magic of Chicago at Christmas with him, to witness his excitement, and to simply exist in his comforting presence, has been a gift beyond measure. The echoes of our fun, our conversations, and our shared quiet moments still resonate in the air around me.
The Long Road Home: A Blur of Miles and Deep Contentment
The drive back to Abilene from Chicago is formidable, a true test of endurance after days of intense activity and emotional highs. It’s roughly 1,100 miles, a journey that typically demands about 16-17 hours of non-stop driving. I hit the road, pushing mile after mile, through changing landscapes. The vibrant urban sprawl of Chicago gradually gave way to the quiet, muted farmlands of Illinois, then the rolling hills of Missouri, and finally, the familiar, vast plains of Oklahoma and Texas.
Much of the journey back passed in a blur of highway lines, the rhythmic drone of the engine, and the steady focus required to conquer such a distance. My body is now profoundly exhausted, a deep, satisfying weariness that speaks of miles traveled and experiences savored. My eyes feel heavy, my muscles ache, but it’s a welcome fatigue, a sign of a journey fully lived. I pulled into Abilene late last night, the familiar sights of home a welcome, if slightly disorienting, landing after weeks of constant motion and new horizons.
The Return to ‘Normal’: A Landscape Redefined
Now, as I settle back into the rhythms of daily life, a peculiar sensation lingers. I’m looking forward to getting back to the day-to-day living, to the comfortable routines of home. But honestly, it’s been so long since I’ve truly slowed down, since my life was solely defined by its mundane rhythm, that I barely remember what ‘normal’ even feels like anymore.
My personal definition of “normal” has shifted profoundly over these past few months. The unexpected cancer diagnosis shattered my old illusions of control and endless time, forcing me to prioritize experiences and connection. The subsequent journey of reclaiming my life, culminating in this incredible cross-country adventure with Matthew and my chosen family, has redefined my landscape of joy and fulfillment.
My “normal” used to be defined by relentless career ambition, by always putting financial security first, by deferring personal happiness and connection until “someday.” Now, my normal is woven with the vibrant threads of authentic relationships, the thrill of adventure, the quiet joy of shared moments, and a profound appreciation for life’s precious brevity. The professional upheaval I returned to, with the hotels sold and my team disbanded, is a daunting reality, but even that feels different now. It’s a new challenge, yes, but viewed through a lens of resilience and a heart full of recent joy.
So, as I unpack my bags (both literal and metaphorical) and settle back into the quiet hum of my Abilene home, the question isn’t just “What’s next?” but “How do I ensure this new ‘normal’ continues to be as rich and fulfilling as these past few months have been?” It looks like it’s time to find something new to fill my time—something just as purposeful, just as engaging, and just as deeply satisfying as this extraordinary chapter has been.
Here’s to the next chapter! Here’s to finding new adventures, new passions, and new ways to cultivate joy in the day-to-day. The road ahead may be uncertain, but it’s illuminated by love, by friendship, and by a profound sense of gratitude for a life truly being lived.
What does “normal” feel like for you after a period of intense change or travel? How do you fill your time with fulfillment? Share your thoughts below – let’s reflect together on the ever-evolving landscapes of our lives!