There’s a lot spinning around in my mind right now.
We’re about to make a big move—from South Texas to Artesia, New Mexico. A small town with a population of just over 12,000 people. With every move we’ve made for my husband’s job, I’ve felt it: a little piece of me gets lost. And at the same time, I’m forced to rediscover who I really am… and what matters most.
Every move brings the same questions:
– What am I doing with my career?
– Will I find new, like-minded friends?
– What’s really important in this season of life?
– Who am I today? Who do I want to be tomorrow?
Somewhere along the way, I realized I wasn’t the main character in my own story. I had slowly become a supporting character in my husband’s career journey. And I’ll be honest—it was a little humbling. That’s definitely not how I started out in this life.
But I’ve also always been someone who lets life lead me to a certain degree. The difference now? This time I have a plan.
This Time, It’s My Turn Too
I’ve made the decision that my work won’t be limited by location anymore. I’m building a speaking career—reaching out to companies and organizations to deliver workshops and keynotes that empower women in midlife.
I’ve started to get some momentum with this. I’ve written a book (Renovate Your Reality) and spoken at a few events. Fingers crossed I’ll have enough footage from my last gig to finally create a highlight reel.
Making friends in a small town? We’ll see. I suspect my fitness and self-care routines will help me build new connections once we land. For now, it's all about logistics and (a lot of) letting go.
The House Hunt from Hell
Finding a new home in Artesia has been…wild. We were rejected because of our pets. I got cussed out for calling out a scam. I sent 10 networking texts to total strangers just to see if someone—anyone—might have a rental lead. (Because apparently, house hunting now requires a social network hustle!)
But in the end, we found a place. Not perfect, but it meets our needs.
And just when you think the chaos is over—we move in three weeks…then go on an Alaskan cruise two weeks later. Oh, and I’m still recovering from a wicked upper respiratory infection I picked up while my husband was in the hospital recovering from emergency surgery.
Perfect timing, right?
But Here's the Bigger Message…
I’m not just sharing this to vent (although let’s be honest, writing helps). I’m sharing it because I know I’m not alone.
So many of us say:
“When I retire, things will be different.”
“When this settles down, we’ll start traveling.”
“When the kids leave, I’ll focus on myself.”
But what if that day never comes?
What if life doesn’t go as planned?
What if today is all you get?
Let Me Ask You:
– What would it look like to live your life now?
– What brings you joy—not comfort, not routine, but joy?
– How can you shift from supporting character to center stage in your own life?
It’s okay if your role right now supports someone else. Many of us find ourselves in that space. But your dreams matter too. Your joy matters. And your purpose? It’s not something you find once and keep forever—it shifts and evolves with every season of life.
You Get to Choose
This move, this season, this stretch of overwhelm—it’s hard. But it’s also a reminder. Life isn’t waiting.
Don’t wait to live yours.
About Renovated Realities:
Hi, I'm Remi Gibbs—certified life coach, positive psychology practitioner, and author of Renovate Your Reality. I help women in midlife reconnect with their purpose, reignite their passions, and design a life they love. If you're ready to step into your next chapter with clarity and confidence, let’s chat!
Learn more at www.renovatedrealities.com or follow along on Instagram and Facebook @RenovatedRealities.
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