adapting to change Archives - Jared Kuvent

A Love Letter to Maine: Finding My Place in a New Life

Jared Kuvent — Fri, 14 Mar 2025 16:19:09 +0000

A Love Letter to Maine: Finding My Place in a New Life

Dear Maine,

I knew this move would change me, but I didn’t realize how much until I found myself driving down a quiet road, the trees lining the way like old friends. The air was crisp, the kind that wakes you up and makes you pay attention. And for the first time in a long time, I did.

Love takes many forms, and right now, I’m learning what it means to fall in love with a place, with a new rhythm of life, with the people who make it feel like home. It’s not all easy—there are moments of loneliness, of doubt, of wondering if I made the right choice. But there’s also discovery, connection, and the feeling that I’m exactly where I’m meant to be, even if I don’t have it all figured out yet.

This is my love letter to you, Maine—not just to the place, but to the experience of starting fresh, of finding joy in the unfamiliar, and of letting life surprise me.

The Joy (and Sting) of Starting Over

No one tells you how surreal it is to come back to a place you once knew, only to realize you don’t fit in the way you used to. The landmarks are the same. The streets are familiar. But I’m different now. The kid who walked these roads in high school, dreaming about the bigger world beyond, could never have imagined the version of me that would return decades later.

There’s a beauty in that—returning with more life experience, with new perspectives, with a deeper understanding of what home actually means. But there’s also an emptiness to it. A strange sense of detachment, as if I’m floating between the past and the present, waiting for everything to settle into place.

At first, that feeling was hard to shake. The silence of a new apartment, the weight of uncertainty about where I belonged, the echoes of a life I left behind in San Diego. But I’ve learned something about transition: it’s not about finding an exact replacement for what you had before. It’s about creating something new—and that takes time.

Loneliness as a Side Effect of Change

Let’s talk about loneliness, because it deserves a seat at the table. It’s the thing that creeps in when the dust settles, when the excitement of a big move fades into the reality of everyday life. I don’t care how outgoing or adaptable you are—uprooting your life comes with an emotional price tag.

Some days, I miss the effortless friendships of San Diego. The casual meetups, the inside jokes, the feeling of being woven into the fabric of a place. In Maine, I’ve had to work harder to find those moments. I’ve had to be intentional about putting myself out there, about saying yes to plans, about pushing through the awkwardness of new social circles.

But here’s the thing: loneliness doesn’t mean you made the wrong choice. It’s just part of the process. If you sit with it instead of running from it, you start to see it for what it is—a growing pain, not a permanent state.

And the antidote? Love. Not just the romantic kind, but the love that comes from connection, from community, from showing up and letting people in.

Finding Love in All Its Forms

Love is meeting new people at Maine Street in Ogunquit, laughing over drinks, watching RuPaul’s Drag Race, and realizing that this little LGBTQ bar has become a cornerstone of my new life. Love is the comfort of a familiar face in a coffee shop, the barista who remembers my order, the friend who texts just to check in.

Love is living with Luke, navigating the weirdness and joy of sharing a space with a close friend, finding a rhythm that works for both of us. It’s the way we’ve made traditions out of small things—weekly outings, binge-watching old reality shows, making each other laugh on days that feel impossibly heavy.

And yes, love is also dating. It’s opening myself up to the idea of romance in a place that feels both new and familiar. It’s the excitement of possibility, the vulnerability of putting yourself out there, the reminder that even in a season of rebuilding, there’s room for something unexpected.

Cautions and Advice for Those in Transition

If I’ve learned anything in this process, it’s that starting over is equal parts thrilling and terrifying. Some days, you feel invincible—like you can conquer anything. Other days, you wonder if you’ve made a terrible mistake. That’s normal.

So if you ever find yourself in the middle of a major life shift, here’s my advice:

Expect loneliness, but don’t let it define you. It’s temporary. Keep showing up.
Find your rituals. Whether it’s a favorite café, a weekly event, or a quiet moment in a place that feels like yours, routine brings stability.
Be open to new friendships. They won’t replace old ones, but they’ll bring something fresh into your life.
Let yourself grieve the past, but don’t live there. Missing what you left behind is okay, but don’t let it stop you from embracing what’s ahead.
Give love freely, in all its forms. Love isn’t just about romance—it’s about connection, kindness, and investing in the people around you.

The Next Chapter

I don’t know exactly where this road leads, Maine. But maybe that’s the point.

Somewhere between the frost-laced windows of my apartment and the winding roads that carry me through this new life, I’ve realized that love isn’t always a person, a moment, or a single defining feeling. Sometimes, love is found in the in-between spaces—the deep breath before stepping into something unknown, the quiet comfort of a home that is still learning your name, the laughter of a friend who just gets it. It’s in the ache of missing what once was, and the pulse of excitement for what could be.

I came here searching for something—maybe a sense of belonging, maybe a fresh start, maybe just proof that I could do it. But what I’ve found is something even more unexpected: a willingness to sit in the uncertainty and trust that the road ahead will hold me. That somewhere in the echoes of old memories and the whispers of new ones being written, I am building something real.

So, Maine, I don’t have all the answers yet. But I do know this—I am here. I am showing up. I am walking forward, even when the path is blurred. And maybe, just maybe, that’s what love really is.

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A Digital Nomad’s Perspective: Embracing Maine’s Beauty and Opportunity

Jared Kuvent — Tue, 19 Nov 2024 18:13:16 +0000

A Digital Nomad’s Perspective: Embracing Maine’s Beauty and Opportunity

The past few days in Maine have been a blend of deep connections, meaningful conversations, and moments of reflection. While I’ve been busy keeping up with my job search, networking, and creative projects, this time has also offered a chance to reconnect with the people and places that have shaped me. Maine has always held a special place in my heart, and being here reminds me why.

Celebrating New Life and Lifelong Friendships

A highlight of this week was hearing about the arrival of Finn Thomas Terison, the first child of my close friends John and Ashley. John and I have shared a bond since high school, where we formed TorchIt, our barbershop quartet. Performing together taught us more than just harmony—it instilled a sense of teamwork, trust, and a shared passion for creativity. Singing together, we navigated the intricacies of musical collaboration, a skill set that continues to influence my work today.w

Hearing the news of Finn’s birth brought a mix of emotions: joy for John and Ashley, reflection on how our lives have evolved, and a sense of gratitude for the enduring friendships that anchor us. While I couldn’t visit them in person yet, knowing that John is stepping into this new chapter as a parent fills me with pride. It’s a poignant reminder that life evolves, and yet some connections remain constants, adapting with time and circumstance.

Meaningful Reunions and Nostalgic Moments

Maine has also been a time of rekindling connections with family and old friends. Andrew and Scott continue to be incredible hosts at the Whitten House, a historic gem that feels like a home away from home. Together with Gabrielle, we’ve explored local favorites like Gelato Fiasco and The Abbey, soaking in the charm of Topsham.

I’ve spent quality time with my brothers Zack and Ethan, along with our family friend Josh. A particularly memorable evening involved revisiting a vintage board game, Lie, Cheat, and Steal. The game’s cutthroat nature brought out plenty of laughs, and playing it with my brothers felt like stepping back into childhood for a moment. It’s these shared experiences that remind me how important it is to nurture relationships, even amidst a busy schedule.

A Flavorful Escape at Siam Thai

Tucked away in town, Siam Thai offered more than just a meal—it was a sensory escape. The warm aroma of lemongrass and spices greeted us as we stepped inside, setting the stage for a comforting and vibrant dining experience. We began with crab rangoon, its creamy filling of fresh Maine crab wrapped in a perfectly crisp shell, followed by Tom Kha soup, a fragrant blend of coconut milk, lime, and chili that struck the perfect balance between soothing and invigorating. The Pad See Ew, with its caramelized noodles, crisp broccoli, and savory sauce, was the perfect finish to an unforgettable lineup of dishes.

Sharing the meal with Andrew and Scott added a deeper layer of meaning. Between bites, we reminisced about old memories, laughed over stories, and marveled at the authenticity of the food. In that small, unassuming restaurant, we found not just incredible flavors but also a renewed sense of connection, making the evening as memorable as the meal itself.

Inspired by Maine’s Timeless Beauty

One of my favorite experiences this week was visiting Portland Headlight, a lighthouse that never fails to inspire. Sitting nearby with my laptop, waves crashing against the rocks, I found the perfect balance of productivity and presence. Maine’s natural beauty has a way of grounding me, offering both clarity and perspective.

There’s something magical about breaking out of the stereotypical office setting. As a digital nomad, I’ve embraced the freedom to work from anywhere—a park bench, a library, or even the rocky shores of Maine. Mobile technology has revolutionized how and where we work. I deeply appreciate the moments when inspiration strikes in unconventional places, whether it’s the sound of crashing waves or the stillness of a sunlit forest.

I understand the value of in-person collaboration—the hallway chats, brainstorming sessions, and the camaraderie of shared office space. Yet, there’s an undeniable benefit to flexibility: the ability to tailor your environment to your needs. Some days require the energy of a bustling café, while others demand the serenity of a quiet park. For me, the ability to choose where I work has been transformative, allowing creativity and focus to thrive in settings that resonate most with me.

Staying Focused on the Journey Ahead

While these days have been rich in personal moments, I’ve remained committed to my professional journey. I’ve been honing new skills, like learning Figma for UI/UX design, and preparing to launch Scott’s revamped website, YourHistoricHouse.com, which showcases his passion for historic preservation. The balance of personal and professional growth has been challenging but rewarding, reminding me of the value in staying adaptable and engaged.

The AJS networking meetings continue to be a daily touchpoint, offering encouragement and valuable insights. Sharing updates with the group and receiving feedback has kept me sharp and motivated, even as I immerse myself in the slower rhythms of Maine.

The Power of Adaptability and Connection

Maine has been a powerful reminder that growth doesn’t always have to be rushed—it can be intentional and deeply rooted. The connections I’ve strengthened here, the projects I’ve worked on, and the inspiration I’ve drawn from my surroundings are all fueling my momentum.

Flexibility is more than a convenience; it’s a necessity in a world where creativity and productivity thrive in diverse environments. By breaking away from traditional office confines, I’ve found spaces that inspire innovation, offer clarity, and allow for a deeper connection to my work and my surroundings. Maine has reinforced the value of adaptability—not just in where we work, but in how we approach life’s challenges and opportunities. This journey isn’t just about finding the next professional step; it’s about building a life that aligns with who I am and what I want to create. It’s a reminder that sometimes, stepping outside the usual boundaries can lead us to exactly where we’re meant to be.

What’s one step you’ve taken outside your comfort zone that has led to unexpected growth or opportunities?

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