It's such a bizarre feeling knowing that less than a year ago I was 'craigslisting' constantly. I had applied for an Americorps position in Los Angeles, California and was overly confident of the outcome. Literally an hour at the least was spent every single day browsing studio apartments in West Hollywood. Every apartment I pictured myself in. A new city, a new start, new friends, a new job-I could see it all. I even saw the pictures I wanted to hang in the yellow kitchen, or the curtain I would put up next to my bed to block it from the sofa that I do not yet own. During these moments I had this feeling in my stomach...like 'Oh shit, I'm terrified' but 'I WANT TO GO NOW.' I had this indescribable feeling of excitement for a completely new adventure. I could physically feel it in my body. When I found out in early June that I would not be leaving for L.A. come September because I did not get the volunteer position, I was devastated. However, slowly, small signs seemed to creep their way into my daily life showing me that was not the path for me. Not getting to start a new journey was a journey all its own and I would not give up the time I have been here with new friends and new surroundings in my old city.
With that, I will say that I am currently on a new apartment search. Come the end of this semester, I will be relocating (for real this time!). My best friend/roommate and I have decided to put all of our things in a truck and drive to Austin, Texas to start a new life. The people I have told thus far have given me mixed reactions. Some of my best friends are excited for me, some are not. This is why I want to explain to you, my friends, my decision.
Moving away is not an 'escape' from the current life I live. Moving away is not a search for something perfect. Moving away is the start of a new chapter...not something I need to do, something I want to do. I am 21 years old and it is time for me to see the world. It's time to get into some trouble somewhere else. Austin, Texas has probably the most life I've ever seen in a city. There are creative people everywhere, and for that I am so so excited. You could ask me "why?" and to be honest I don't have a picture perfect answer to that question. My best response would really be "why not?" It's wonderful to have that same feeling in my body...to be so excited for a new journey.
If I come back with a southern accent don't make fun of me.
