Dear Austin and Crew,
Around a decade ago, you came into my life. My dear friend who I met while in Costa Rica showed me and my sister around your streets. Food trucks, hills, water and a lot of traffic. I wasn’t sure I would ever become a resident but you were on my radar.
While I avoided you for five years, I ventured down here to stay with another friend during summer. I loved your vibrant and welcoming vibe. Your running community was what this once team sport playing gal needed. I hit the streets with complete strangers as we ran to Mt. Bonnell. What a welcome 🙂
A few months later, I would become a resident. I applied for an apartment I had only seen online and blindly moved in. C403 would be my only address in Austin. If you know me, that’s a big deal 🙂 Views of downtown. Neighbors I never heard. A cozy little space where my friends, Henley and I built memories. My apartment quickly became my sacred place. C403 you were so damn good to me!
My first night here, Dad and I didn’t waste anytime hitting the town and going to a concert after we had traveled from Nashville. Austin, I knew you and I would have a good time together. In fact, I have never attended more concerts combined in my entire life than I did while I was here. It was during this time, I realized dress codes do not exist in Austin. One concert my best friend and I ended up in a VIP party where everyone was dressed to the nines. Except for Hill and I. We proudly wore cutoffs and tank tops while those around us were in ball gowns. This night you also introduced me to Titos + water and 3 am chicken biscuits which might be why we didn’t care what the dress code actually was 🙂
You brought soul mates into my life. The ones I knew were out there but never thought I would be fortunate enough to encounter. You shared your streets with us every weekend while we endured some of the sweatiest runs. Without fail, we ended each run with tacos and some damn good coffee. You brought friends into my life that felt like family. Well, after they learned my name but if you ever hear them call me Sharon, I’ll respond without hesitation!! You shared these friends with me who allowed me to be authentic from the beginning. We never needed the bells and whistles. You will often find us walking your trails with a coffee or juiceland smoothie in hand.
When Spring/Summer hit, I was fortune enough to spend time on the lake with Justin and his incredible family. Each Christmas, they kindly let Henley be a houseguest so I could be with my family. Justin wasn’t sure how much fun Henley was having at camp as his nephew didn’t always honor personal space. Justin ensured me it was good character building! LOL.
You were the place were my career took off. I had some misses, but you ultimately led me to an ECI agency. You connected me with families of all backgrounds. You trusted me with these sweet kiddos and I was able to witness them expand in all areas of life. THANK YOU to this agency and to the families who trusted me from the beginning.
Any time I felt lost, you gave me a place to land. In fact when I landed on my face the first 12 months I was here, you continued to put uplifting spirits on my path. You provided me a community who wouldn’t let me give up on me when I was plum exhausted. You strategically placed a feather in front of me when uncertainty took over, reminding me I was pointed in the right direction.
You connected me with some very fortunate people who were generous to share with me. You gave me the opportunity to be a guest at Richard Linklater’s property which was a turning point. The calm, peaceful, innovative and creative real estate reignited my desire to create and show up different. It gave me a glimpse of hope and inspiration.
As I continue on my next journey, you will be the place where I shed trauma layers, where I truly lived and prioritized self acceptance and development! Thank you for being the best home, the one I never imagined when we first met. While you’ll no longer be my primary residence, you’ll always be a special place. See you soon, Austin!!
PS. To all of my friends: From the bottom of my heart THANK YOU! It’s not always easy being so far away from family but you always took me in with open arms. I’m beyond grateful I was able to spend part of my journey with you all and that I had such incredible souls to help me expand and accept me as is! LOVE YOU!!