Biggest Little Lessons

I was ready to move from Nevada before I even moved to Nevada. And yet, saying goodbye was much harder than I anticipated. Driving away, I reflected on what my almost two years in Reno taught me, and I realized I learned many valuable lessons.

Dance like everyone’s watching.

First and foremost, I learned how to dance in Reno. From dancing nights away to cumbia, salsa, and bachata music to feeling comfortable moving my body to any beat, I confirmed once again that dance brings me happiness and helps me find community. They say dance like nobody’s watching, but now that I’ve upped my performance skills, I think it’s more fun to social dance like your next partner is watching and waiting to ask you for a turn. I know my time in Reno would not have been the same without the Latin dance community, and I feel very fortunate to have met such lovely friends.

Expect the unexpected.

Just like moving to Nevada was not in my original plan, Reno taught me to be prepared for anything. Sometimes really lovely things happened like meeting a best friend (and her dog) on BumbleBFF. And sometimes the worst happened, like having to find a new place to live in less than a week after just moving two months before. Through all the obstacles thrown my way, though, I realized I can handle just about anything and that maybe it’s time to start believing in myself.

Make time for self-care.

I used to say I was in Reno for a reason, and that reason became apparent when I became severely sick in the summer of 2017. Suddenly having so much time on my hands was a blessing and gave me the opportunity to prioritize my health and learn how to take care of myself. For the first time, I started putting myself first. Now I am the healthiest I have ever been, and I know this is a lesson I will carry into the future.

I’m ready for a change.

As a small town girl, I have always been intimidated by the thought of living in a big city. And from living in Chapel Hill to Montevideo to Kitwe and then Reno, I have successfully avoided larger metropolitan areas. Reno was a manageable size, but after making it on my own in a completely new place on the other side of the country, I think I can make it in a big city too. I will put this lesson to the test soon enough because I am moving to London for grad school in the fall, and I am so excited!