Dublin Diaries #1: Leaping

I moved to Dublin for an incredible job opportunity and couldn’t be more excited! But if I’m being honest, I’ve realized that big life transitions can be both thrilling and hard — especially as we get older. The last few months have been a rollercoaster of emotions. The night before leaving NYC and Derek, I was an emotional wreck. I couldn't stop crying that morning or throughout my flight to Seattle for a work event. But Derek's love and unwavering support have been what's truly getting me through.

After spending one night in Seattle, I flew straight to Dublin, stayed a few nights, and then took a short solo trip to Bulgaria. Being across four time zones in just eight days has been a total whirlwind. It feels like for every emotion I feel, I also experience its equal and opposite — and I suppose that’s just the beauty of the human experience. Deep down, I know this is the right path for me. I am so grateful and eager to learn, grow, take risks, and lean into this change, because without discomfort, there is no growth. I’m reminding myself to take this exciting new chapter one step, one day at a time.

Thank goodness I flew to Dublin in mid-July—right before my sister’s wedding—to do a quick move-in to my studio! Unpacking my carry-on and a few boxes made it feel more manageable when I landed from Seattle, and I truly love a fresh start. Although a big part of my heart remains in NYC (with Derek and my sister) — I know that I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.

This past Sunday, I spontaneously went to the Forty Foot at sunrise. I only lasted a few minutes in the freezing sea — the locals insisted it felt like the Mediterranean, but my thin skin disagreed! Still, it was so refreshing. Afterward, I hiked over to Killiney Beach to read. When I was walking to the beach, I caight myself feeling the urge to rush — like I was late. It was an eye-opening realization of just how conditioned I've been to always feel behind. I had to remind myself that I had nowhere to be (it was not even 8:00 AM on Sunday) — and that it was okay to simply slow down and relax. It was exactly what my soul needed.

Plunging into the freezing Irish Sea without knowing just how cold it would be felt like a metaphor for this big leap I’m taking with moving to Dublin. There have been moments where I feel like I'm in a total freefall state, taking a complete leap of faith into the unknown. But when I’m old and look back on my life, I know I will want to be able to say I went for it. I keep reminding myself that I have to muster my courage to jump—even when it's scary—because I don’t want to live with any regrets. Sometimes, taking that scary leap and embracing the shock to the system is what “living life” is all about.

I finished the morning strolling from Sandycove through the adorable seaside town of Dún Laoghaire, took the DART back into the city, and spontaneously caught a tour at The Little Museum of Dublin to learn more about Dublin’s history. I wrapped up the day enjoying a warm bowl of delicious carrot soup at my new favorite café in city center while reading my book.

More slowing down, more being present. So far, so good. I can’t wait to see what adventures lie ahead.

The Forty Foot