Wow! I apologize for how late this post is! I guess that’s what I should expect with a full-time job, a side business, two blogs, and as much of a life as I can have here! i promise to do better.

Now, in my last post I started my list of 15 things I’ve learned since I moved to Hattiesburg, Mississippi. They were light-hearted and fun, while I attempted to give you a glimpse into my consultant, deep South life. Here is the second half of my list, with a little more heart-felt lessons learned. Even as I revisit this list, I am reaffirmed that what I was feeling is still true (even if the post is late!).

9. Time is flying by!!! This was true when I originally wrote my list, and even more true now. I was so anxious when I first thought about how little I would see Allen, my family, and my friends. Even though I constantly miss them, I can’t believe how quickly time is passing. I feel like I just moved here and it’s already almost October. I am once again at a time in my life when I am wishing away time to get to my next sweet visit with my favorite people, yet praying that time slows down so I can soak up every experience. Oh the irony.

10. I never want to leave the South. Well this isn’t really something new that I’ve learned, but more of an affirmation. I have always had an obsession with small towns, southern culture, and connected community. My favorite thing about the South is that no matter where you are, hospitality is always something you will find. It comforts me when I am greeted with a smile from strangers I make eye contact with, or when someone tells me stories about their circle (with all background information included), or when literal signs, aka billboards, of Jesus are everywhere. Every person I meet seems like a friend I’ve had forever and I love how quickly I’ve assimilated into the Southern Miss community, with the help of the chapter and my friend Sami. The South – the greatest place on Earth.

11. Just when I think things are awful, it gets better. This will always be something that I have to be reminded of. While I was thrilled to have my dream of becoming a consultant come true, I was aware that the day would come when I felt drowned in others’ problems and overwhelmed with the idea of dealing with it all relatively alone. It’s not all glitter and sunshine and big/little reveals. It’s tough work. But just when I feel low, a high is right around the corner. Those are the moments that make it all worth it. It’s all about keeping a positive attitude, taking a moment to breathe and say a little prayer, assuming good will, having an awesome supervisor who reminds you to trust your gut, and persevering.

12. I love Alpha Chi Omega more everyday. As if we thought this was even possible. I will take the risk of sounding cheesy, but there is nothing like seeing someone else fall in love with something you have such a passion for. I get to see little pieces of myself and my own chapter sisters in sisters from across the country and witness the connection I was promised three years ago by my own consultants. No matter the opinions you have on Greek life, the growth I’ve experienced and the growth in other collegians that I get to help facilitate can’t be argued with. Being Greek, like being a part of any community, binds people together. I have an instant connection with every Alpha Chi because we share the same values and I am so grateful to be able to experience this connection over and over.

13. I’m starting to have consultant traits trickle over into my personal life. This one I was warned about from the veteran consultants. I have found myself explaining how I am just simply “managing expectations” with Allen and emailing information to my friends. I am asking a lot of “why” questions and using the same language I use with collegians. We were told there would come a day when our family would ask us to stop consulting them, and luckily everyone is bearing through it so far lol.

14. “Never Alone” and “Never Grow Up” are dangerous songs. Just don’t listen to these ever. Kappa Sigma sang Never Alone during their preference round of recruitment along to the melody played from a baby grand piano. There’s just something about sitting in the middle of a giant circle being serenaded by 70+ women about how I am never alone wherever I fly. Instant tears. Same for sitting in the middle of your empty apartment watching a GoPro video of a little girl’s first day at kindergarten to the tune of Never Grow Up. Don’t do it. Save yourself.

15. This experience is making me exponentially more independent. Who would have ever thought the little girl who was afraid to go to overnight camps because of the fear of not finding anything she would like to eat would sign up to be told to move to a new city by herself? Well, here I am. I am living by myself for the first time and I have to say I’m doing pretty well. I have been shoved out of my comfort zone. I have to jump at the chance to reach out to someone new and be okay with exploring on my own. I am no longer afraid to arrive to events by myself or ask someone if I can join in on their plans. I am booking flights and navigating airports. I am working with a wide array of people and I am doing things for myself. I am cooking real meals for just me and working with relatively no supervision. I am gaining skills that are only available from an experience like this, and I couldn’t be more grateful.

Well, there’s the rest of the list! #finally I look forward to learning more things about Mississippi and myself while on this crazy journey. Can’t wait to take you along for the ride!

Keep living life inspired.