Arizona Wasn’t It, But It Got Me Where I Needed to Be
Over the past few years, I lived in Phoenix and Tucson on and off. I thought I would love it. I really wanted to. The idea of desert sunsets, open space, and a fresh start sounded like exactly what I needed. I kept hoping a new environment would inspire me or help me feel more grounded. But honestly, it never did.
It was so hot it affected everything. My mood, my energy, my ability to want to go outside and do anything. Even simple stuff like walking the dogs or grabbing groceries felt like too much. And on top of that, I had a really hard time connecting with people. Everything felt far apart. Everyone felt busy. I tried, but I just never found a real sense of community there.
There were some beautiful moments. I loved the views, the hikes, the slower mornings. But overall, I felt off. I felt stuck. And, more than anything, I felt pretty lonely. No matter how many routines I tried or how much I told myself to be grateful, deep down I knew I wasn’t where I was supposed to be.
Still, that uncomfortable season ended up being a turning point. When nothing around me felt fulfilling, I turned inward. I started focusing more on digital marketing, took on freelance work, and slowly started creating again. I began to build something that felt like mine, even if everything else felt uncertain.
Now, I work remotely, I’m doing more content creation, and I get to travel with my partner and our three dogs while he takes nursing contracts. We’re currently living in the Midwest, and while it might not be where I imagined ending up, it feels surprisingly right. Life feels more balanced. I feel more like myself.
Arizona wasn’t for me. It was hot, isolating, and honestly kind of hard. But it helped me realize what I do want. And in a strange way, I’m thankful for it. That chapter pushed me to make changes I might not have made otherwise. It showed me how important it is to live somewhere that feels good, do work that feels right, and keep moving toward the kind of life that actually fits.
