It’s hard to believe this week marks ONE YEAR of living in Southern California. 🌞 Like how the heck?!

Last January I packed up my world and flew across the country to make home in a place that was completely foreign to me. It was exciting and terrifying but mostly exciting. I had never experienced such peace in a decision to uproot and plant somewhere new where I hardly knew anyone but all of me just *knew* this was where I was supposed to be next and my soul felt sooo ready for it!

southern california beach sunshine palm trees ocean

12 months living in Southern California and gosh am I so dang grateful that girl trusted her gut and took a chance on herself and what she felt calling her name. Even if it felt crazy at the time to leave what was comfortable and working within business and life to uproot and move to a place that was so unfamiliar and start from scratch. It didn’t make a ton of sense on paper but in my gut I knew that not taking a risk felt all the more risky. This season has single handedly produced the most growth I’ve experienced in a long time. It started with Hannah. Tending to and nurturing the parts of me that have been on autopilot for a while. I feel like a whole version of myself and it’s been such a healing experience that has overflowed into every other area of my life. What’s nurtured Hannah has then poured over to my business and how I show up for work and create + serve others. It’s been the best decision I’ve made for myself, God sure knew what he was doing when he brought me to San Clemente.

It’s hard for me to fathom an entire year has passed and at the same time it’s felt like I’ve been here for much longer. I’ve found such a sense of calm + belonging here. Something that feels like home yet couldn’t be farther from what I know that to be. I’ve found a lightness, room to spread my wings, parts of myself come to life in ways I couldn’t have imagined. A good friend shared some words with me recently and it struck a cord. She said “you’re so in your element there. ✨ It makes me want to find my California” in reference to finding a space that nourishes your soul and grows you as equally as it inspires you. A place where you feel at home and such a fullness. I wish that for each one of you.

Attempting to measure all this year has held and put words to my experience would never do it justice but the biggest take away I have from this chapter of life would be this—> listen to that small voice, leap when it’s time to leap, you are brave and capable and there is so much waiting for you on the other side of whatever limiting belief may be stopping you. Trust it’s never too late to start something new.  It may feel daunting looking at your mountain but the view as you journey up slaps every time!! Let’s never stop being risk takers in life. 🤝🏻 ✨ Cheering you on whenever this heart note finds you today!

black and white living in southern california hannah smith photography smiling posing

Xoxo, Hannah

 

For more life outtakes + my latest adventures, be sure to follow along on Insta!

 

 

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