Sharing the simplicity of the small things

Welcome to my first blog post! I’m new to this, but excited to dive in! My name is Jacqueline, but most people call me JJ. I am starting this blog because I love telling stories (maybe in too much detail), but I enjoy sharing my experiences with people.

I’m a Michigan native who grew up in the suburbs of Detroit. People always say there’s nothing to do around here except drive around. This felt true until I had a job and a little adult money to explore with. One thing you should know about me: my biggest fear is living a life on repeat.

Over the past couple of years, I have done some spontaneous and probably careless things because I don’t always think, I just do it! There have been day trips, weekend getaways, spontaneous travels abroad, and some downright irresponsible ones. Do I regret it, absolutely not! If we only have one life to live, might as well live on the edge a little, right?

Catholic School Girl

Let’s start in high school. I went to a tiny all-girls Catholic school where I met some of my best friends that I still stay close to today. There were countless memories made during my four years that can be saved for a different blog, but I wouldn’t change it for anything. It was unforgettable and I loved every minute of it. I was also very active in sports, softball, swimming, field hockey, and powderpuff football. Fast forward to my senior year, it was 2020…. okay yeah I was a 2020 COVID graduate. My mom, I think, was more heartbroken for me “You didn’t get a senior year, senior season..” Honestly, by March, every high school senior had checked the hell out. I was 17 and ready to start asking for forgiveness and not permission as much.

It’s A Great Day To Be A Brit!

My next chapter was college and I had no idea what to expect. As I mentioned before, I played many sports, but my main was softball. It holds a special place in my heart given that I played for 16 years! I had been going back and forth on playing in college. I decided on the letter of intent deadline to play at Albion College.

Albion is a small liberal arts school in the middle of nowhere. For reference, it’s 20 minutes west of Jackson, Michigan, or 45 minutes southwest of Michigan State. In a school of only 1,500 students, everyone knew everyone, which I loved. My time as a Brit brought me more adventures like a quick trip to Paris, spring training spent in Ft. Myers and Myrtle Beach, and day trips to Chicago. College was the best time of my life. I met my boyfriend, Mike, there, some of my best friends, and memories that will be unmatched.

Life: Currently

I am one year post-graduation and life in the ‘real world’ hit harder than I expected. Going from living freely for 4 years to working full-time and moving back in with my parents, it has been an adjustment. This transition of life looks different for everyone. Some people can’t wait to leave college and some people don’t ever want to leave. For me, I 100% did not want to leave. Change is scary, but I feel like I am starting to get over the hump.

So how did I end up here? I was working close to 6 jobs at once and a coworker said “JJ you’ll know when it’s time…” and then I had that gut feeling knowing that was going to leave my full-time job after the one-year mark. I was offered a business development and marketing job at Athletic Republic which I am so excited for. I decided to prioritize myself and start valuing my time—because no one else can do that for me. So, let’s get to the good stuff—stories, lessons, and maybe a few reckless adventures!