Month: July 2017

Home is Where Your Heart Is

/ Kristin Fehrman / Leave a comment

I recently found myself in a difficult living situation that I removed myself from.  I quickly found a solution and moved out with ease; but most of all, the overall experience made me extremely grateful and strengthened my spiritual condition. 

Life throws you curveballs to make you stronger, not to throw you off track.  Hoda Kotb reminded me of this when I saw her speak last January in New York, telling us her story of failures and disappointments in her early career.  Little did she know, she was being guided on a new path: a much different and bigger path.

I wrote about this a while back in relation to my career in NYC, but it is still applicable here in Boston.  I’ve repeatedly tried to plan my future, only to find opportunities I didn’t even expect knocking on my door.  So far, I’ve been happily surprised by what Boston has had in store for me.  I have connected with some amazing, talented and supportive people.  Career wise, I’m taking small steps to grow professionally as well as focusing on the bigger picture; but unlike the past, I’m not expecting anything to happen overnight.  That’s how I used to live.


Home is another area of my life where there is uncertainly.  There are so many options, neighborhoods and living situations to consider: what is the best for me?  When I first arrived in Boston last December, I packed light and stayed in an Airbnb.  “Stuff” has become just a small facet of my life.

Home is where your heart is.

My heart lies within words, relationships, creativity and beauty.  I’ve spent the past year focusing on me- not what I have or other outside factors.  I used to think happiness was found in other people, where I lived, what I did for work or how I looked on paper.  Boy, was I wrong.  None of these external things made me happy; I had to find serenity and peace within myself.

I have lived quite simply these past few months, a far cry from how I used to live in New York.  I wouldn’t want it any other way.  I can easily pack up everything I own in a few minutes and Uber in a different direction- little black dresses, Henri Bendel bags, journals, plants, books and bracelets.  

I’ve really got this rhythm down.  Although moving every few weeks or months is not ideal, it’s truly strenghtened me, helped me learn Boston, made me more compassionate and allowed me to focus on myself, not “stuff.”

Home is where your heart is; you just need to be sure to stay true to it. ❤️

Comfort Zone

/ Kristin Fehrman / Leave a comment

Sometimes it’s difficult to know exactly what you want out of life.  I’m a big dreamer, so often times I create ideas of how something will be, only to find that the reality is much different than what I made up in my own mind.

Despite urban fantasies and thinking I wanted to live the hustle and bustle of New York City, I found comfort in the Boston area.  It is the perfect mix of NYC and my hometown, Traverse City.

I’ve looked high and low for places in the heart of the city, but I always feel most comfortable in a neighborhood that reminds me more of home.  I did the Upper West Side life for over a year in NYC, and despite the doormen and conveniences, there’s something to be said about having a front porch and backyard. I would take coffee and crossword puzzles on the patio,  meditation by the pond or reading on a hammock any day.

I’m looking for a new place to live come August and am currently exploring Somerville, Cambridge, Chelsea, Brookline and Brighton.  While a shiny highrise in Seaport sounds fun (I’ve done the luxury condo life in both Austin and Charlotte), the cost and conveniences don’t fit my lifestyle in the long run.  Even if money was no object, the minimalistic lifestyle, cozy corners and friendly neighborhoods seem to be more my speed.  There something to be said for simple pleasures.

My goal is to one day is to be a writer on the beach or in a tiny house- or better yet, a tiny house on the beach!  I don’t need much, but I do need comfort and piece of mind.  As long as I have nature, a notebook, friendship and the shore, I have all I need.

Stronger

/ Kristin Fehrman / Leave a comment

These past three weeks have been such a learning experience and adventure.  What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger- even when you feel unsafe and are constantly walking on eggshells.

I have been doing my best to focus on work, stay grounded, happy and peaceful.  Sometimes people will walk all over you and it’s not worth a fight.  I learned this from my mother; I never understood why she wouldn’t immediately grow defensive or argue when people would cross her… but now I do.  Sometimes it is better to let it roll off your back.

I’ve been learning how to handle difficult people and situations, but there comes a time when you have to simply make a graceful exit for your own piece of mind.  My life has been so full, complete with supportive people, a strong spiritual connection and opportunities in front of me.  Today I feel much stronger than I did a month ago, and through the tragedies and turbulence, I am better learning how to handle life on life’s terms.

“Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.”

These past few weeks have taught me to remain calm in any given situation, whether I’m dealing with someone taking their emotions out on me, getting harassed on the street, or simply sitting with anxiety. With prayer and meditation, I’ve been able to stay grounded, take action, and enjoy the things that make me feel at peace- going to the library, having lunch in the park, or simply embracing the beauty around me.

Life is one big adventure, and each day I am growing a little wiser, and a little stronger.