So, I’ve had a lot of people ask me lately: “Is it weird being back in Watertown?” or “Do you like being back home?” And it’s something I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about this week, so I figured I’d tell everyone!

Yes, it is weird living in Watertown again. I still see a lot of the same people and go to the same places I did before I moved. I’ll be driving around town and all kinds of memories start popping up from my high school days, and it almost feels like I never left. And while most of the time it feels like nothing has changed, it strangely feels totally different at the same time.

I’ve grown a lot since I last lived here, and I almost feel like I’m seeing it from a different perspective now. When I graduated from high school I couldn’t get out of here fast enough. I wanted to get as far away from this town as possible, and swore I would never move back.

The longer I was gone though, the more I started to miss the Midwest. When I left Virginia, I had every intention to move to Minnesota. I figured it was close enough to home while still being far enough way to have my space as well. However, the more I looked for jobs, the more I found that I wanted to be close enough to come home more often. So, I was dead set on living in Sioux Falls. When that didn’t go as planned, my next best option was accepting a job in Watertown. At first, I wasn’t too thrilled about staying in Watertown. After all, only a few years ago I hated the place enough to move way across the country.

Now that I’ve settled in and started getting back into a routine, I can safely say I made a good decision staying here. I’m a very strong believer in that everything happens for a reason, and I prayed very hard about this. I know this is what was meant to happen.

Most importantly, I can say confidentially for the first time in a long time that I am truly happy. I’m back in the field of work I want to be in, I have my own place, I (finally!) have my own dog, I’m making some really great new friends, and I’m able to be close to my family and spend more time with them. After all the crap I’ve been through these last few months, I can safely say it was all worth it to be where I am now. And I’m confident it will only continue to get better.

For those of you going through a rough patch right now, stay positive! Things may look bleak now, but I promise it will get better, and you will be better off in the end. If you need a friend, reach out to me. I’m always willing to lend an ear or a shoulder to cry on if necessary.

Until next time!

Megan Reiffenberger