I moved out to California about four years ago. Didn't know anyone out here, and moved away from everyone I had ever known. Four years later, I have more friends than I ever had back home. I'm not sure if it's because there are more furs out here, or that I just got lucky to meet a group of friends that are close and personable, or if it was by necessity to make myself fit in since everyone I knew was six hours plane flight away.
I started out with a single friend, that then turned into another, and before I realized, I was part of a much larger group. I don't know if this particular group of friends is better than any I had back home, but I'd really like to think they are. I never really fit in with the group at home... always something not quite right... and it reminded me of high school. I could fit in with about any crowd, but never felt like I really belonged. This group is different. Unfortunately, we recently lost someone. But to see how everyone came together, supported each other, it was a good feeling, one of support, and one that I feel comfortable supporting and asking for support from when I need it.
In the past couple years, I have changed a little bit too. I discovered my real fursona which was a much larger step than I had realized. Originally, I had thought wolf. But it never really felt truly a part of me. I'm not for sure the day it really clicked, but I started to realize my affinity for felines, specifically spotty ones. Snow leopards, leopards, jaguars, servals... cheetahs. A few pointers in odd places, such as when I was feeling down about the human race's bigotry, hatred, and violence, I would find that those golden eyes with that black tear streak and spotted muzzle always could make me forget about it. More than that, when I saw those pictures, I felt a bond, like I was one of them. But the most telltale sign, odd as it may sound, is whenever I visit cheetah exhibits at a zoo, I can always seem to grab their attention, just by standing there and watching them, their eyes connect with mine, as if they know, and hopefully, accept.
I'd say being a part of this local group of friends has allowed me to develop and accept myself, which has led to some pretty wonderful experiences. This is home now, and where I came from... that is just a part of my past.