Late 20s, Lots of Dogs, & a Midwest Reset

When I imagined my next big move, Iowa was not exactly on the vision board. But life has a way of rerouting you, and sometimes the unexpected turns lead you somewhere surprisingly grounding.

A few months ago, my partner accepted a travel nurse contract in the pediatric ICU here in Iowa. So, we packed up our things and hit the road with our three dogs: Forrest Gump, my endlessly energetic sidekick, and his two partners in crime who make every day louder, funnier, and more full of love.

Now, we are here, adjusting to a slower rhythm in the heart of the Midwest. I work remotely in digital marketing, which gives me the freedom to move with him, but that does not mean the transition has been easy. Iowa is quiet in a way that feels unfamiliar. The days feel wide open. There are no mountains, no ocean, just sky and fields that stretch forever.

But in the quiet, I have started to hear myself more clearly.

Lately, I have been asking a lot of big questions, like: what do I really want to do in this season of life? I am in my late 20s, building a flexible career, living life on the move, and trying to figure out what feels truly fulfilling. I know I love creating content, capturing moments, connecting with people, and sharing stories that make others feel something. But I am still figuring out how all of that comes together into something that feels fully mine.

Living here, in this pause, with three muddy-pawed reminders to get outside and keep moving, I have started to see that maybe I do not need to have it all figured out. Maybe part of the magic is allowing space for the questions.

Iowa was not in the plan, but it has become part of the story: a place to slow down, reset, and listen to my gut a little more. It is not permanent, but it is meaningful. And I am grateful.

So here is to life in motion, chasing golden hours, following love and instinct, and trusting that even when the path is uncertain, it is still worth walking.

Especially with three dogs leading the way.