Share Your Story: {av} of {long distance loving}

This is a guest post for the "Share Your Story" series (learn more about it here!).  And after ten inspirational weeks, this also marks the last post in the series... at least for the time being :)  Thank you to everyone who contributed!

Today, I'm excited to introduce you all to Alison a.k.a. {av} of {long distance loving}.  We met when she hosted the Blogger Blitz Chicago event this summer.  I love how she brings bloggers together and encourages a real sense of community.

***

Hello there! I'm Alison--otherwise known as {av}--and I blog at {long distance loving}. I'm thrilled to be a part of the Share Your Story series here on Inspiration and Rough Drafts! I am not a writer by trade, but it was fantastic to reflect on the last few years while writing this post...

---

We moved to Providence, Rhode Island at the end of June 2009. The move marked the end of our long distance years--and I couldn't have been happier to finally be in the same place as {cv}. Our first months in town were filled with job training and IKEA furniture assembly, so I didn't notice just how unhappy I was in Providence until the winter rolled around...

After I graduated from Georgetown, I managed to build a life in DC that kept my days filled and happy. {cv} and I developed an enjoyable and relaxing routine when I could visit him in Charlotte. When we moved to Providence, I loved the idea of finally being in the same ZIP code as {cv}. I had dreamed of it for so long. The problem was that I resented moving to a place where we knew no one and had to start from scratch. I struggled from the get-go to find my footing in New England and wondered if we'd made the wrong choice.

Being far from my friends and family began to take a serious toll on me. As a result, I traveled for weekends on end--some with {cv} and many without. I felt badly that I couldn't find happiness in our little loft in Providence. I didn't blame him, but I did blame myself for somehow being unable to find friends. I make friends on airplanes and elevators, but for some reason, finding them in New England was a different ballgame.

{cv} was a saint during all of this. He encouraged me to take classes at RISD and supported me in every random hobby I decided to take up. (There were a few, including but not limited to: sewing, interior design, and photobooking.) It wasn't until I started my blog (on a whim) that something finally stuck. I found a place to channel my creativity and meet new people, which made all the difference. When I look back on our years here, my attitude about Providence began to change soon after I started blogging. I know for certain that the daily practice of writing and challenging myself helped me overcome those early struggles.

It's a good thing too: {cv} and I are about to become permanent Rhode Islanders. (We'll break ground on our new home in the 'burbs in a few months!) Three years ago, I would have never expected this turn in our adventure, but now, I embrace it. Learning to love Rhode Island is one of the greatest obstacles I've overcome so far. I'm so grateful to be on this side of the mountain ;)

photo by Kate Headley

Alison lives in Providence, Rhode Island, with her husband {cv} and their two cats, Gus and Mr. Pinky. She will always call Indiana home and have a soft spot in her heart for Washington, DC, where she and {cv} met and got married. By day, she is in sales; by night, she blogs. When she isn't blogging, you'll find her running, pinning, volunteering, instagramming, traveling, tweeting, or polishing other blogs.