Growth isn’t always straightforward. Sometimes it looks like losing your routine and rebuilding parts of yourself. A reflection on habits slipping, big decisions, and learning to trust yourself in the midst of change.

Thinking about moving? Use this city scouting guide and checklist to research, compare, and choose the best city to live in for your next chapter.

After 13 years in D.C., I moved back to my hometown in my mid-30s. Here’s what I learned, and why (and how) I’m now scouting for what’s next.