I’m currently sitting in the British Airways lounge before my first one-way flight. Whoa. I had envisioned this moment so many times before today, wondering how I would feel. I assumed I’d be a nervous wreck, honestly. But right now, doing a full check of my emotions, the biggest source of my stress is hoping my pups are okay (shout out to PetMovers) because they are family.

This past week, I was supposed to judge the Distinguished Young Women of Indiana program in Kokomo, Indiana, but on Wednesday night during the judges’ briefing, I became very ill. I had been fighting a sinus infection all week, pushing through packing and closing and moving, and on my way to Kokomo, I thought, “Boy, my eyes are tired and dry. I’ll feel better with a full night’s sleep.” During dinner and the judges’ briefing, my eye kept watering and was slowly swelling shut. Thinking it was an allergic reaction, I took some fast-acting allergy medicine and went to sleep.

Unfortunately when I awoke at 1 a.m., my eye hadn’t gotten any better. I had to cancel judging (which was horrible as I know it puts such a burden on the organizers) and took myself to urgent care in the morning. My sinus infection went untreated too long and the infection had spread to my eyes. Yikes! I loaded myself up with antibiotics and went to my parents’ home in Lafayette to collapse on their couch for three days and recover.

I wouldn’t wish an eye infection on my worst enemy, but to be honest, it was exactly what I needed to force me to slow down. My dad and I shared laughs during the day (once I stopped sleeping constantly), and my mom cooked my favorite homemade meals. Once I was on the mend, we were able to drive to Indianapolis to sell my car together, and we went to visit my Grandma Dorothy at the nursing home. I definitely think we all needed this time together to put some closure on the fact that I’m moving, and it gave my soul peace to know I had spent quality moments with my parents and my grandmother (and the dogs, who were so sweet during my sickness) before this flight.

So today, I’m eager and alert. Part of me just wants to be there already! But, I’m savoring these hours, because I know I want to remember every moment. When my children ask, “Mom, what was it like for you to move to a new country?” I want to be able to relay each detail. And if they ever decide to move away, I want to relate to how they may be feeling.

I’ve also been actively working on my New Year’s Resolutions, and I do think the specific effort to focus on a handful of intentions has a positive effect on my day-to-day stress and anxiety. I’ll be sure to update you all on how that’s continuing to go after the move.

For now, I’m signing off as a resident of the United States. As we begin this adventure, comment below with the posts you’d like to see – about our travel, taking the dogs, anything! I hope to inspire each of you to take risks, appreciate the beauty around you, and celebrate life. Cheers to all of life’s adventures!

Jacket: J.Crew. Silk shirt (underneath): Elie Tahari. Leggings: White House Black Market. Shoes: Mix No. 6. Locket: J.Crew. Luggage: DVF.