A love letter. — Moondrop Collective

At nearly the 6 month mark of when I first embarked on my vagabond journey, I’m settling into a new living space, and have committed to Cleveland, Ohio for the next 12 months. I’ve had my share of epiphanies, realizations, aha’s, oh shit’s, and oh no’s, during and after these last several months. Some that stand out are how to make peace with that undercurrent of uncertainty and inevitable change, and how to be with yourself. How to walk right into the unknown and make a home there. Some parts of my travels were so magical, breathtaking, aligned, and felt soooo good. I felt seen and held. Some were painful, lonely, confusing, and uncomfortable. I learned that I could live with what I could fit in my car. A certain amount of clothing to cycle through. And how little any of that actually mattered. Sometimes I was happy to get out and explore, and other times I had to force myself to make a move. I purposefully put myself in places I didn’t know anything about other than them having beautiful, natural majesty. That was the only requirement.

I learned that my spirit’s capacity is as vast as the skies I photographed. And the space in my heart is as massive as the mountain ranges and wide open spaces of the West. I was affirmed of my ability to bend and stretch. To connect with the Earth. To connect with myself. To invite love in with loved ones known, and new ones who dropped in along the way. I also made space for a romance with someone who is a truly beautiful human, who I care for deeply and will miss. And I learned that through tenderness, openness, authenticity, integrity, being intentional and present with myself and others, beautiful things can transpire. I deepened relationships with some of my family. Who were welcomed resting places sprinkled around the travels. I even made some new friends. I remained open for all of the experiences. It is through these experiences and these relationships that I learn who I am. And the grand take away from it all is acceptance of what is. That life is both and. Beautiful and sad. Thrilling and peaceful. And the good stuff lives in the gray. And by making space for it all, I can live and feel life fully.

I want to bring all of this into my everyday living. How can I have these same experiences without having to put everything in storage, load up my car, and take off? Maybe it’s literal, and through small trips to more unknown places. Or even simpler with walks that are close to home. Quiet moments in my new space. Discovering my new neighborhood and town. Connecting with new people. Snuggles with my fur family. And the new found closeness with my immediate family. I’m sure the answer is all of the above. I’ll stay open and see.

I wanted one more post dedicated to this experience to reflect and turn the page. It’s through these words and experiences that I grow and heal. Change can be challenging, and is inevitable and often times out of our control. But I choose to show up for it all with an open heart, mind, and eyes—even the detours. I’m grateful for the ability to have chosen this experience. And will likely keep downloading insight from it as I go. A handful of things will have to be left in the unknown. Not everything gets a clear answer or understanding. And that’s ok. It has to be. Love to the past, love to the present, love to the future. And love to you.

Love, Jessica, Finley, and Pito

Enjoy some art below that was created along the way.