From Conyers to San Antonio: The Journey That Changed Everything

Ashleigh Pandora Montford is HER.

Deciding to become HER is the best decision I have made to date.

Sometimes, the best decisions are the hardest to make. Leaving Conyers, Georgia, and relocating to San Antonio, Texas, wasn’t just a change in scenery—it was a life-altering leap of faith. I left behind familiarity, comfort, and even some relationships that once defined me. In doing so, I discovered something even more valuable: myself.

Battling Mental Health Complexities

For years, I grappled with mental health challenges that seemed insurmountable. Anxiety and self-doubt often clouded my vision, keeping me tethered to a life that no longer served me. Moving to San Antonio wasn’t a magical cure, but it was a necessary first step in my journey toward healing. The shift in environment gave me the space to confront those complexities head-on.

In Texas, I found room to breathe—physically, emotionally, and mentally. The wide-open skies mirrored the expansive possibilities for my life. Therapy, self-reflection, and self-care became my daily companions as I worked to unpack years of pain and rebuild myself from the inside out.

Letting Go of Negativity

Leaving Conyers also meant leaving behind the relationships that had become toxic. Some people were like anchors, holding me back from growth and self-discovery. Others were like weeds, draining my energy while pretending to support me. Cutting ties wasn’t easy, but it was necessary. I realized that not everyone is meant to stay in your life forever—and that’s okay.

By letting go of these cancerous connections, I made room for healthier relationships and genuine connections. In San Antonio, I’ve met people who celebrate my growth, encourage my dreams, and remind me of my worth. Surrounding myself with positivity has been a game-changer, proving that the company you keep truly shapes your trajectory.

Discovering My Worth in My 30s

They say your 30s are a time of self-discovery, and I couldn’t agree more. Since moving, I’ve come face-to-face with who I am and what I’m capable of. For the first time, I’m unapologetically putting myself first. I’ve embraced my ambitions, my boundaries, and my imperfections, understanding that they all make me who I am.

San Antonio has given me the space to dream bigger. It’s where I’ve learned to trust myself, pursue opportunities I never thought possible, and redefine success on my own terms. The energy here is different—it’s vibrant, it’s inspiring, and it’s exactly what I needed to step into the best version of myself.

Building New Connections

Moving to a new city can be daunting, but it’s also an opportunity to rewrite your story. In San Antonio, I’ve met people who have become my chosen family. From professional networks to personal friendships, each new connection has reminded me of the beauty of starting fresh.

These relationships aren’t built on who I was or where I’ve been but on who I’m becoming. They’ve shown me that authenticity attracts the right people and that there’s incredible power in being vulnerable and open to new experiences.

Coming Out on the Other Side

Relocating to San Antonio was never just about moving to a new city; it was about moving toward a new life. Every challenge I’ve faced here, every moment of doubt and fear, has been met with resilience and determination. I’m not just surviving—I’m thriving.

For anyone feeling stuck or weighed down by their current circumstances, know this: change is possible. It’s scary, it’s uncomfortable, and sometimes it’s downright painful. But on the other side of that change is growth, freedom, and a version of yourself you’ve yet to meet.

Final Thoughts

Moving from Conyers to San Antonio was the best decision I’ve ever made. It taught me the importance of prioritizing my mental health, cutting off negativity, and embracing self-discovery. Today, I’m more confident, more fulfilled, and more excited about the future than ever before.

If you’re contemplating a big change, let this be your sign: take the leap. You never know what incredible things are waiting for you on the other side.