How I Became Scarlet

If you had to change your name, what would your new name be?

Scarlet. This is the name I use for my blog, but it is not my legal name.

Around late 2016, I was an absolute mess. I had just left one bad relationship, and already had my heart broken within a few months. I may go into detail about that particular episode of heartbreak, as well as subsequent ones in future posts.

I had resolved to move on, but I was just wandering around aimlessly through life trying to fill the void. Moving in with a roommate and swiping around on Tinder with little to no success were fun in the moment, but I still felt empty.

Until one day, I met some strange folks. Travelers. Traversing the US with few possessions, little to no money, and different concerns than your average working adult. I started hanging out with them on my off time, learning more about their lifestyle. I kept working my job and hanging out with them for a few months, wanting to join them but too scared to make the jump.

Around the new year, my roommate randomly decided to move, leaving me with her half of the rent to figure out, something I could not afford, and I just couldn’t take it. I liked my job at an ice cream shop, but I felt like I would rather kill myself than go in another day. I was truly mentally breaking down. So I decided that instead of ending my life, I would do something drastically different, because I had nothing else to lose.

So, on January 7th, 2017, my new life as Scarlet began. I didn’t gain the name until much later, in June of 2018. I had a lot of adventures leading up to that, and many more after. Maybe someday I’ll detail those adventures. The trips back and forth across the US, up and down the west coast. The misty San Fransisco nights spent in the company of friends. The wonder and beauty of the natural landscape, which I feel blessed to have seen so much of.

I have had many experiences of beauty and joy. With these came darkness, heartbreak and loss. All of these experiences contributed to Scarlet, and she was born the day I resolved to do something different, the day the old self died.

The government and most people back here in the real world call me by my legal name, and that’s fine. I know who I am. I was a caterpillar who transformed into a butterfly.

I am Scarlet!