Years ago, when I was deciding what my future would be. I actively chose to stay out west. Let me explain:
I went away to school in Rexburg, Idaho, six (6) months after my high school graduation. I went away to school because I had people intervene on my behalf to ensure I got the education I yearned for.
Sure, I could have stayed in NYC with the safety net of family. Or, I could’ve followed my mother to Florida to be with those branches of my family tree. The thing is, that wasn’t in my heart. I knew deep in my core that I belonged away. It was the only way that I was going to see for myself my true potential.
That first semester away was the hardest months of my life (to that point), and I was contemplating going home. The same people who helped me get into school counseled caution in choosing my path. I also reached out to family who supported me, and they also counseled me to weigh it out in my mind. Excellent advice, and along with some sacred experiences, I was able to make my decision.
I stayed at school, I met my husband, we started our life together, and except for a brief time when we tried to make it work living in NY, we have remained out west. Sometimes (okay, a lot of times), I get the question: Why?
A scripture always comes to mind: “I was led by the Spirit, not knowing beforehand the things which I should do.” (1 Nephi 4:6) I came to Idaho because it was the right thing for me. I stayed because my husband and I do our best to be “led by the spirit.” Staying has given us a great life. I wholeheartedly believe that over the course of the next 2-3 years… our trajectory will be drastically different. In the meantime, we live by the phrase of another scripture: “O be wise; what can I say more?” (Jacob 6:12). We strive to be wise in all we do.
Indomitable Bellatrix 