community: why i recommend moving to a new city in your 20’s- alone.

in july of 2007, i left columbus, ohio for charlotte, north carolina for a teaching position … i left being close to my family, forever friends, a state i had always lived in, the ease/rhythm of the midwest, and a serious boyfriend of almost three years {i felt guilty for doing this- for i was also leaving his family, whom i loved very much (and still do) with all of my heart- and i know that they loved me as well. i always felt this strong love from all of them and always thought- i hope i am half as accepting/loving to others in life as what they always were to me. you all taught me how to love people openly and deeply- thank you.} but i needed to follow my heart. so i moved. alone. to a state over 500 miles away from the place i had always called my home… i knew only two people here, but i wasn’t very close to either of them. today, one has become one of my very best friends and the other one was not trustworthy- you just never know and you learn as you grow. the truth is … it’s all worth the risk. and while i did feel extremely guilty- as i mentioned above- it was all meant to be and deep in my soul, i knew this. it wasn’t an easy decision; however, my family never questioned my decision {not even once} which helped me gain the strength to make the move south and reconfirmed my belief that this was the path that God intended me to take. i am forever grateful for this – you all have no idea what this meant to me. thank you for always believing in me. additionally, in my heart, i knew that my hometown friends would forever be there for me … that’s the beauty of being able to have a hometown in life- those people are always there for you- always. i learned that it is ok to leave- to remember, to cherish and to never forget that special place- the place you put tattoos on during your youth. i miss and think of you all often. it is hard to find a community feeling as strong as the one in a small town- and leaving is rare- but i remind myself- it’s ok. it is a community where the street names are people’s last names, people will give you their shirt off their back any day of the year, you knock on your neighbor’s door {or just walk in} for eggs, milk, beer, anything. and i can count about 7 {out of 55} of my classmates who have left ohio. when imoh passed in september and pierre in october- those were the people who reached out to us most. the people who traveled hours each way to attend the service; the people who sent cards, flowers, texts, emails, and encouraging calls- who still check in on us. i am so thankful for all of you and for your constant support- your love. along with many people in charlotte, who just like these genuine people, have become like family to us. the demographics may be different here but people in each place all share common bonds, common experiences, and common grounds in several ways. my journey here has been truly wonderful- in every way. my lifestyle, students/colleagues, our home, diversity, being close to the beach/mountains, sunny skies- yet all four seasons, lots of incredible friends, and most importantly, meeting my husband, mr. monaco, the man i always prayed for-
the man sure does love me lots
and i just adore him.
…
i trusted in God with all of my heart and he delivered so beautifully. 

carolina is now my home – but small-town, ohio is my forever home. 
 … 

if you do decide to take the plunge, 
these are some things you will more than likely experience:

-you’ll be able to meet new people who bring new friendships, joys, experiences, and memories

-you’ll be introduced to new customs. adventures, places and perspectives

-you’ll feel an overwhelming sense of freedom and so much independence … i saw myself grow each year; as i began to welcome change with open arms

-you’ll soon be able to walk into any social event feeling confident and ready to mingle

-you’ll have the chance to reinvent yourself and will be empowered to realize you only need to rely on yourself.

-you’ll be able to conquer any of your fears.

-you’ll look back and will be proud of yourself and everything that you are possible of achieving on your own!

… the self discovery you gain is unlike any other gift life can give you. the choice to go out on a limb, to take a chance, is such a powerful experience. taking your own destiny allows you to choose your own path and to shape the person you always dreamed of becoming. 

did you or would you ever move to a city alone without knowing anyone?

…

if so, what did you leave behind and what did you learn from this experience?