I have never done anything like this.

I’ve never driven for more than 4 hours at a time. I’ve never crossed a state line in my car by myself. I never really thought I could.

I’ve never been so free. And this is only the beginning.

Yesterday, I arrived in Savannah, Georgia, and I finally feel like my trip has really begun. (Read about my “Quarter-Life Breakthrough” to catch up on why I chose to make the road my home). I was in Orlando the past two days and it sort of felt like I was visiting for the weekend like I’ve done many times before and I’d be back to Sarasota in 2 hours. Though it was familiar, it was the perfect start. It got me warmed up a little. My best friend, Jessica, told me all about Yellowstone, as she worked for the same company that I’ll be working for a few years ago. I spent quality time with my brother and visited some of my old stomping grounds. Another look into the past, part of what has contributed to where I am and where I’m going.

Leaving my more immediate past in Sarasota was not easy. As exciting as I knew this adventure was going to be, it was also a big transition. After my last day at work, I had just over a week to move out of my apartment, spend time with my family and friends, and get ready for a huge life change. The process of moving out was very symbolic; as I was digging through everything I owned, throwing away, selling, and donating most of it, a lot of emotions came up. I cried a lot, especially saying goodbye to my cat. (And my parents, friends, coworkers, and apartment, too.) I also celebrated everything I gained from that season of life. I was excited for a new chapter, but I had to go through a sort of cleansing process first, a healthy deconstruction before rebuilding. I left everything I didn’t need behind – literally and figuratively. After all, the things I really need aren’t things.

After a week of rehashing memories and purging what no longer served me, I was finally all moved out. I was dripping with sweat from carrying load after load to the dumpster and car in the 95 degree Florida summer morning, and totally physically exhausted. Thankfully, my good friends and parents helped me with the move, and my friend Shayna was there to see me off. I dropped one last load off at Goodwill and then at my parents’ (cat stuff), and did the first leg of driving North.

After my nourishing visit to Orlando, I headed further Northeast yesterday morning to finally pass the Sunshine State. Of course, this was when the “scary” part began. I got knots in my stomach thinking about it before I left. What if I get lost? What if the roads are confusing and I accidentally turn into oncoming traffic? Well…it was great. I arrived in Savannah, one of the places I’ve wanted to see for a while. I took myself out to dinner at a great local restaurant specializing in Southern cooking with “the world’s best banana pudding” (which I would have to agree with), and read On the Road while my food was being prepared. I didn’t feel weird being alone. I felt like I was really taking care of myself, doing whatever I wanted when I wanted.

After, I went to the Historic District, finding it using directions from the hotel front desk clerk, Maggie, without my GPS crutch. I was so proud of myself. I realized that, though a seemingly small feat (I’m not known for being great with directions…), I really am capable of so much more than I give myself credit for. I parked at the square where Forrest Gump, one of my favorite movies ever, was filmed, and walked around wherever I felt like. Everyone was very friendly, smiling, saying “hello” and “excuse me,” a polite, Southern charm filling the air.

The sky was pink and orange with the setting sun over the bridge. I walked along the river, listening to an inviting cacophony of street music. I stopped to listen to a solo guitar player. He noticed I was listening and asked if I was a musician. I smiled and said, “yes.” He handed me his guitar and asked me to play something original. I hesitated. My allergies were still raging from the dust of the move and my voice was definitely not going to sound its best. But I did it anyway just to say I did, just to make sure I wasn’t letting my fear hold me back. And you know what? It didn’t sound that great. But I didn’t dwell on it or beat myself up like I usually do. I just had fun, and it still felt great to play like that just on the street – something I’ve always wanted to do. I felt like a traveling musician…taking baby steps.

Three days in. I’m loving this, especially the little surprises when I realize my own strength.