What I’ve learned in five years: gratitude
Five years ago today I moved to join Matt in Austin (he’d moved in July for work). I was scared and excited and overwhelmed — I’d never been to Texas and I had just finished my nine month journey with cancer and treatments (I talk more about that in this video). I had a new resolve — I knew I would pursue [what would become] Moulton. I’d never felt anything as clearly as I did when I felt that impulse and spoke it out loud without overthinking or rationalizing — I’m not a natural risk taker.
I was just coming out of the medical cocoon. Those who have been through a serious illness know what I’m talking about — your whole identity is ‘patient’. It’s all you talk about, think about, know, and are identified as. I was so excited and grateful to begin moving forward with my life and for the opportunity — to move to a new city and get a chance to ‘start over’ (nothing will make you feel more grateful when you go through a life threatening illness).
It’s been a winding path — no one really talks about that. I idealized my path and thought I’d “make it” within two years or so. But I look back on the past five and feel so much gratitude that my heart literally aches. I’m so thankful for the time to grow, to quietly make mistakes, to show up every day and move the ball forward just a bit (there is so much wisdom in that slow investment process). I’m nowhere near where I want to be but I’m also exactly where I want to be. I’m grateful for this city, the friendships and connections I’ve made, the creative community, the support and kindness — all of it. I never imagined it would be so good and yet it’s exactly what I hoped for.
My life looks fairly similar to how it looked five years ago and I have to say, I hope that it stays that way during the next five. I am lucky to have a healthy family, my husband and partner Matt, and my sweet pups Charlie + Reese. I hope to grow into my female entrepreneur shoes (and get even more comfortable in them), thoughtfully expand my work + skills, travel for personal growth and perspective, continue to focus and place a high value on learning, and open myself to more leadership and community roles so I can start to pay forward all of the goodness I’ve received. 🙏🏼
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Jen is the owner and designer of Moulton. Keep up on instagram or through her personal newsletter.
