Awake My Soul

I want to live a great story.

I want to wake up every day and feel like if I didn't get out of bed, the world would be seriously missing out.

I want to be constantly learning and challenging myself to be the best I can be.

Right now- I'm stagnant. Frozen in time.

Working 60 hours a week, and yet feeling like I haven't accomplished a thing.

I feel old.

That being said, I'm not sad. In fact, I'm happy almost all the time. Sure, life is exhausting and never perfect. But it's also exhilarating. And I'm missing that excitement.

So it's time for Gypsy Jillian to pack up her little car and find a new adventure. Or perhaps a new chapter in an old adventure. One where I can feel the magic. Because it seems that here in Orlando, my well has run dry.

I'm crying a little as I write this, and my departure is still weeks away. Maybe it's from the Mumford & Sons I'm listening to in the background, but more likely it's that I'm realizing that I will be leaving a piece of my heart here in buffet crazy, outlet filled, tourist ridden Orlando. I have learned so much during my year away from home. I had the chance to meet Jillian- the real Jillian. No preconceived notions or expectations. I got to know hilarious, loving, talented, loyal, Godly, passionate, big hearted wonderful people who have helped mold me into the person I am today. I could name you individually, but you know who are you and the impact you have on my life. Please know how special you are to me.

I worked more in this one year than I did possibly my whole life. Full time internship in Guest Relations, 3 days at safari, 6 months at Festival of the Lion King, 6 weeks of Halloween Horror Nights, 2 months of Grinchmas, a few shifts as Olive Oyl, a last minute stint at Starbucks, workshops, bible studies, choirs and wonderful adventures.

But it's time to go- as impossible as it seems to leave you behind, and as scared and unsure of my path as I am, I know it's what I have to do.

As Peter Pan (well spieling Peter) once said, keep adventuring and stay not a grown up.

So thank you Orlando, and everyone that has been a part of it. I will treasure you forever.