Atlanta, Georgia — Mary Kessee

Year 1.

A year ago this month, I chose change; I chose better; I chose me. To many, a change of address may not seem like much, but for someone who was daunted by the idea of change, it was everything. For 20 years of my life my address resided in Mobile, AL. it was home. I grew up there and though I had dreams of living in a big city, I never imagined myself leaving.

Fear kept me there even when my heart desired different. i would always travel and embrace the smell of change and city air on my travels, but those moments were temporary. Mobile wouldn’t let me leave. She was claws deep and I was too scared to push back. “ One day,” is what I would tell myself year after year, but “one day” seemed to be myth that I simply keep forcing myself to believe.

Please keep in mind, I am not talking down on Mobile. I lived some of my best years there. I found my best friends there; I fell in love there. Mobile is the city of Mardi Gras, moon pies, amazing local seafood and much more, but I felt the tug of the Spirit calling me to more.

Summer of ‘18, I boldly made a choice, I’m moving and I’m moving now.. I spoke these words out loud May of 2018; by June I had quit my job and had packed my bags to move to Atlanta. I had no job, no place of my own to live, my car, a few things ,my littles, and a dream. I was going to live with my mom until something came up. All i knew is that I needed out and once I was completely convinced that it was what I needed, there was no room for fear. I overcame fear to better myself, to reach opportunities that were not available to me at my current position, to create a better future for my littles, to heal and grow.

I stepped out on faith in every aspect of the phrase and because I walked in obedience and embraced change, doors opened. I was offered a position at my dream job, I found a place to live within a month and was settled into Atlanta by the end of July…

What. A. Year.

Here I am, a year later and I am in awe. in awe of the Lord and of myself. I stood up to my fears, I welcomed change, I took a stand and I am better for it. I am happier for it. I will never look back. I will continue to embrace each day as it is and choose the best. I am here to “live my best life” as they say.

Year one was about settling in; adapting. Year 2 is all about adventure. I, accompanied by my littles, will go on the adventures this city has to offer; I plan to eat and discover ALL the good food, and simply live each day to it’s highest potential. Grab a seat and join me.

-MAK.

My old views as I would drive through downtown mobile. I’d typically be meeting up with friends to find some grub and brews.

Also, please refer to the first picture, that Atlanta skyline. I literally see this every morning I get off work and it takes my breath every time.