You're Never Ever Alone. Ever.

This picture doesn't have a whole lot to do with this post.
I'm just obsessed with this new little App called Phonto.  I cannot
stop making these little posters. 

Moving could quite possibly be the most stressful thing a human can do in life, ever.  It doesn’t matter if you’re moving down the street or to Dubai.

While I eagerly embraced moving in my early years (6 states and 16 homes in 18 years—WINNING!) I now, officially, 100% avoid it.  Until I have a really good excuse, I vow to live in my current apartment forever and ever, Amen. 

There’s one move in particular that stands out, one that I affectionately call The Horrifying and Heinous Move from Hell. 

I was moving by myself from Manhattan Beach to Manhattan for a new job, with my dog and a whole lotta crap, all by myself (did I mention I was by myself?).   It doesn’t help that I’m the world’s worst packer.  I truly thought that packing everything in my little beach house for a cross-country move would take oh, a day.  It. Did. Not. 

After an anxious plane ride where I sat for 6 tearful hours wondering if my dog who was sitting in cargo would ever forgive me (she still hasn’t), I arrived at JFK.  Navigating this crazy airport is insanity on a good day, but with 2 giant suitcases and a pissed-off dog in a rhinoceros-sized crate, STRESSED doesn’t begin to cover it.  I felt every emotion imaginable, but mostly this: I was so very, very alone.

The next day, I moved into my new empty apartment and decided to shop for curtains (I have a curtain problem but that’s a story for another time).  That’s when the movers called.  I assumed they were calling to confirm their arrival the next day.  You know, the day that was confirmed in the contract, the emails, and on the phone a gajillion times. 

Nope. They were in Florida.  Which, if I harken back to 8th grade geography class, is pretty far from New York.  

They’d be 9 days late. And they were not sorry.

At that moment, I felt confused, defeated, but more than anything: rage.  I kicked into survival mode and immediately headed for air mattresses.  I grabbed the cheapest one I could find and headed to the register.  That’s where a not nice Register Lady told me that the air mattress I was now forced to buy was, in fact, not on sale.  

That’s when it happened. 

I had a complete meltdown in Bed Bath & Beyond.  

An angry-sobs-I-don’t-care-who’s-watching-I’m falling-apart-right-here-at-register-12 meltdown. 

Luckily my Attorney Friend was with me and got to work-- first by calmly talking Register Lady into double checking the advertisement, and then assuring me that the world was, in fact, not falling apart.

Smart Attorney Friend: Kalei, you’re gonna be ok.
Me: Am I!?!  AM I?!!
Smart Attorney Friend: Yeah, you’re gonna be fine.  

Her reassurance was exactly what I needed at that moment.  I also believe that her being there most likely prevented a burly security guard from escorting Sobbing Air Mattress Girl from the premises. 

Looking back on this little incident, I now see two big lessons: 

1. I can’t do everything by myself.  It’s not just easier, it’s a whole lot more fun with a bunch of awesome friends and family by my side. 
2. I’m never really alone, ever.  Even when it truly feels like I am.   

What a relief that I can always rely on the presence and strength of an all-powerful God. 

In those moments when I feel so alone, this is the truth I need to remember: God is always there, with me and for me.

God is with you today. He doesn’t expect you to do it all on your own.  Victoria Osteen 

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.  Joshua 1:9