‘Ello, loves! I enjoy seeing all the adrenaline junkies out there! My hat is off to those who have partaken in skydiving and motorcycling. If only I actually wore a hat…
My mind has been heavy with thoughts over the past few weeks. Going straight from school to home to Athens to home to NYC to home to Lake Erie to Athens has been exhilarating and has awoken me to feelings and ideas I’d never thought of previously.
There is a popular quote that goes along the lines of: “Live the life you’ve always dreamed.” I’ve thought for years that I would, in fact, live exactly the life I dreamed. When I was younger, though, I mistakenly thought that a specific location would make me happy, that the location would be my dream.
What I didn’t realize was that life is not an “if…then” statement. As a Philosophy 101 class would teach you, that is technically a logical fallacy.
“If I move to New York City, then I will be happy.” And, coincidentally, then I will be living my dream.
But what happens when you travel to New York City, stay there for a week and realize you are already happy. In fact, you were happier in Ohio than anywhere.
See, ever since I was in 8th grade, I thought, “Kailey, you will move to New York City as soon as you can. You will do whatever it takes to make it work there. You will be happy there.”
Life just doesn’t work that way. I don’t want to have to attempt a life I once wanted when the life I have is divine. I don’t want to have to attempt my one-time dream life when the people I love the most are a car ride away. Because, in all honesty, my old dream is just that: old. It’s stale. It’s past its expiration date.
Learning that your dream has changed is a notion that can alter the colors in your life. The path I had in my head is completely halted, but instead of scaring the shadoob out of me, it’s brightened everything. Now more than ever I feel as though I can do anything, go anywhere, make my life what I want.
While I was chasing my dream, I grew older. I became more appreciative of the people in my life. I came to know what truly matters to me. It isn’t a location. It isn’t a job. What matters are the people in my life. What matters is my life and how I want to live it. What matters is helping others realize the beauty and deliciousness of their own lives.
I don’t know where I’m going or what’s next, but I do know that locationally, I like where I am.
Scratch that– I love where I am.
Years ago, I imagined myself at 22: Cold, hard, sharp. Care about nothing but my job. Never factor other people into the idea I had of my life. Go to an office. Work all day. Somehow be successful. That was my dream.
Today, at 22, I know that I am none of the things I thought I would be. I want none of the things I thought I wanted. Although I don’t know exactly what I want now, other than to be happy, be with my family and loved ones, celebrate life every day, I’m coming to terms with the fact that dreams change.
What I see in my future is warmer, brighter, lovelier than I had once dreamed. So I’m reinforcing the phrase that means more to me now, more to my 22-year-old self. You can find a variation of it directly below the SnackFace at the top of the page:
Live and love your life. Taste this moment. If it tastes funky, spit it out. Try something else. Still aim for exactly what you want. If that changes, that’s fine, too.
Perhaps I’m writing this mostly for myself, to clear my head. But I felt that it was necessary to share it with you all because I made a big deal of going to NYC in June. I gloated, was super stoked and then, much to my surprise, felt that my being in NYC right now is all wrong. And that is OK.
And who knows…maybe I’ll change my mind again. But for the foreseeable future, I’m livin’ the dream in Ohio.
Ciao for now,
Kailey
{ 90 comments… read them below or add one }
waita go girl…do whatever you have to do to make you happy. If that means living in Ohio and being close to those you love…then spectacular. I applaud you for coming to that realization
Congrats on being brave enough to post this to the world! I’m in the same-ish position as you and I LOVED reading this!!! You’re an amazing lady and will do great things and have a fabulous life! I hope you get everything you want, you deserve it!
Do you, lady. If your dream has really changed, do what’s goign to make you happy!
The way my mind works is a little different though- when I left to go to a challenging school a long way away, I had a million second thoughts. After spending my whole life wanting to go somewhere different, I realized “I’m happy here. I should stay near home, near my family, friends, dogs, and horses.”
I went anyway. Best. decision. ever. IMHO, being uncomfortable for a bit is when the best things come about.
On the other hand, I’m not you, and you’re not me, and I only know myself. So like I said, do you!!!
Molly- Thanks for that! Imma do me! But I totally know what you mean. I hated Ohio U the first year I was here. Thank goodness I never transferred, though! It turned out to be a magical four years. Well, the last two years were the magical part.
Kuddos to you for realizing it BEFORE you adopt a lifestyle that you thought all your life was your dream, but that at the end of the day, makes you sad. (True story)
I’m pretty sure you’ll make your dream follow your guts instead of the other way around. Win-Win.
Marilou- Thank you for your support! It was odd…it really did make me a bit sad to be there. BUT who knows what will happen in the future, ya know!
I love this post so much- you are wise beyond your years, girl. I had the same dream, and I chased it- moved to New York and WAS living my dream. And I was more unhappy than I had ever been because the fantasy in my head took the focus off what was really important to me (well, in life)- friends, family, passions, love. You don’t get that with a high-flying career or living in a “dream” city. Life isn’t where you are or what you are doing, but the people you are with- the ones that make you come alive and chase your dreams, whatever form they take
I am excited to see where your future lies (and I am no longer in NY…though it holds a special place in my heart)
I love this post! It’s so important to love where you are, and to admit that the life you’d always pictured is not always what’s best. For a long time I told everyone I wanted to go to law school, and that I loved living six hours away from home. Well, through twists and turns and challenges, I’ve come to realize that I love living at home, being close to my family, and following a completely different academic path than what I’d always planned. And I’ve never been happier. Good for you for following your instincts- I’m sure whatever the future brings will be fabulous. You deserve it
hey, while it saddens me that you’re not out there achieving your dreams — well, neither am I (achieving my own dreams, that is). I think it is so wonderful that you are keeping your options open. thank you for this post.
Hi, I’ve been a “lurker” for a while now, and I’m a fellow resident of the ‘Nati with big dreams. I’ve started to realize those dreams might have to be adjusted slightly as I go through life, and it’s been freaking me out. I need a kick in the pants every now and then to live in the moment, and your comment about tasting life and spitting it out made me laugh out loud but also lit a fire under me and seriously inspired me to love what’s happening to me now while preparing for an amazing future, whatever that may be. So thank you!!!
Liz- First off, thank you so much for commenting. NATI REPRESENT. I’m so thrilled I could help a bit
Do what makes you happy girl!!! I recently left my PhD program because I listened to ME and decided to follow my heart and not what others expected of me..
(I wrote about it here if you’re interested: http://www.biochemista.com/2010/05/hardest-day-of-my-life.html
Just live each day like it’s your last and follow your heart! Just because you aren’t doing (or living) where you thought you’d be at 13, doesn’t mean you aren’t ‘living’.
Have a great night chica!!! XOXOX
reading this post really helped me collect my thoughts and feelings in the midst of a particularly stressful, slightly disheartening day.
you have to do what’s best for YOU, and i’m glad you’ve embraced that!
As my man Dave Matthews said it, “Turns out not where but who you’re with that really matters” in one of my favorites, “The Best of What’s Around.”
You’re really lucky to be so close to all of your loved ones. I would love to be closer to my family and home (not “home.”) After all, a life is not a complete one without them.
It’s tough for everyone going into the unsteady job market right now, and those of us lucky enough to get jobs aren’t usually the happiest people when the day is done. I’m glad you’re happy; thank you for sharing this with us!
megan- I’m YouTubing that song PRONTO. It’s so scary to me that the job market is how it is, and for now, I am pretty sure I’m living in a fantasy, unemployed world.
Love this. You said it so perfectly. I’m 24 and had sooo many notions of what I’d be now. And nothing measures up, career-wise. Nothing at all. I just quit my job yesterday because it was a toxic environment. I’m now semi-employed, but hey, it’s OK. It’s not worth it to spend your days anxious and unhappy. You have to do what’s best for you, now, even if it doesn’t fit what you thought you’d be.
Such a hard lesson to learn. I’m still trying to internalize this.
Paige- Homegirl, GO YOU. You clearly have all the moxie in the world, and I’m sure that will propel you to happiness and everything you want.
It sounds like you have learned the secret to happiness–wanting what you’ve got, loving the people and relationships around you, and loving yourself.
The best thing about dreams is that they are constantly changing..and so will yours. Life is full of excitements, unknown, and possibilities.
My favorite quote of late is from a lovely band, The Avett Brothers.
“Decide what to be and go be it!”
At 25 I sold everything I owned except what fit in my car and moved from the only home I’d ever known to Denver. I don’t know why I did it but I’m eternally grateful..the move split my world open in indescribable ways. Enjoy Ohio, and when you’re ready to go, you’ll go! Cheers!
Meghan- I adore The Avett Bros! And I adore your story! Oh my gawd, you just up and moved? That is insane and wonderful and delicious and I would love to read a novel about those years in your life. And I love run-ons, in case you didn’t already know.
Very brave of you. I have had a moment like this just a a couple years ago when entering college and it was hard. Life works out and alters itself. Be well.
Such a great post girly! I’ve been thinking the exact same thing lately; well I actually did move where I always wanted to after college (SoCal) and have been here for the past 3 years, but whenever I go home to the midwest to visit my family I miss it more and more. I have a good job here and I love it, but maybe it’s time to take a break and enjoy life to the fullest again.
I had the same aspirations. Move to NYC, work for a fashion house or a magazine, and live a fab life.
Then it all changed. I met someone, stayed here (yay Ohio!), got married and had children. Two options I had barely considered prior to meeting the husband.
Twenty years later (yes. twenty. I feel old just typing that.) I have fantastic kids, am still married to the most amazing person I’ve ever met, and have my own little business.
I have none of what I expected to have, but what I do have is a zillion times better. Life is so good. Follow your heart. You won’t regret it.
Beth- YAY OHIO!!! But seriously, thank you for sharing this. It truly hits home. (No pun intended.)
Hey Kailey,
I’ve been a loyal reader for over a year, and I cannot tell you how many times I have thought/been through/experienced the same things as you! It helps that I’m a 20 something journalism student at a Midwestern university I’m sure.
Anyway, in regards to this post, I actually thought the same thing. My plan was always to move to NYC, and I was always moving on to what I thought were bigger and better things. This past year, I realized that the “ultimate city life” is not really what I want and what’s right for me, and that a fancy title at a big company won’t make me happy in the long term. Because at the end of the day–and at the end of my life–my job won’t be there for me, but my family and friends hopefully will. Luckily, I realized this with a little time to make some tweaks to the life plan. I will say that it’s a tricky balance of trying to be open to other opportunities and still stay focused on what I want to pursue. Good luck to us both!
When I say I can relate to what you’re going through, I mean it *literally.*
At the ripe young age of 19 I actually moved to New York (Lower East Side, to be precise). I, like you, had a dream that I was determined to live out. And NYC was where it was all going to happen.
Within a few weeks, I knew that something was…off. It just didn’t feel right. Here I was in the greatest city in the world – full of millions of people – feeling more lonely and out of place than ever. Sure, I could’ve “made it” there, but the desire to was completely gone.
So instead of living out this extravagant life I had planned for myself, I moved back home. I eventually ended up going to a university about an hour away from home and finishing my college career.
Everything about my life since coming home from NYC has been what is considered “average” to most people. But you know what? To me, it’s anything but. I’m surrounded by the people I love and have experienced things I never imagined (no matter how “average” they may have been). And I may be taking it slow, but I can tell I’m inches away from the career I was always meant to have.
If you would’ve asked me a few years ago where I’d be at age 23, you’d hear about a completely different person (most certainly a *blogless* person!). But I’m okay with that. I’m not saying that I’ve given up on living an extraordinary life (because there is still SO much I want to do, see, and be). But I don’t for a second regret making the choice of taking another path to get there.
See? Told you I could relate
Now, excuse me while I copy and paste this comment into my next blog post, haha!
Gracie- My gosh, girl, I wish we lived near each other. I know we’d be the best of friends. It’s so insane how similar our stories are!!
this resonated with me SO MUCH. i always told myself i was working hard in HS to get to a good college; i then told myself i had to do nothing but school work in college to open every possible door come graduation. i did that for two years, and this summer i realized: it wasn’t worth it, not to mention wasn’t necessary. i’ve gone back to living a life i’m *passionate* about: working hardest in my writing classes, and riding horses as much as i can. and i feel like myself again for the first time in 2 years–no longer isolated by my own work ethic/obsession, exuberant, and happy. and it feels amazing.
anyway, it was wonderful to read these words. so happy for you!
Wow, kailey girl. this was some powerful stuff. you are SO inspiring. your gift for putting your emotions into writing is outstanding. Isnt it funny how God seems to ALWAYS have different plans that we thought initially? But- they are always so perfect. His plans are SO much better than ours! You would prob be miserable if you were living out your “dream” right now, God knows best. He has something in store that will blow your mind. its going to be amazing. I cant wait! Just got to keep being patient and seeking it out.. it will come . LOVE YOU
reminds me of the quote ‘man plans, god laughs’
Could not agree more. And I never thought I would either. I’m 21, been living abroad for just over a year, in Paris since February (THE dream, or so I thought) and I’ve gradually got used to/forgiven myself for prioritising and valuing different things. I haven’t ‘gone soft’, I haven’t failed- I’ve grown up.
That can’t be a bad thing, can it?
Impressive post, well done for tackling the topic!
Paris- AH! YES EXACTLY! I battled the thought of “going soft” for a while. It’s not that at all, it truly is just growing up! Amazing. Thank you for sharing a bit of your story!
Amazzzzing post Kailey! Thanks for sharing and I hope you get to do what you want in your life
Jenna xoxo
This is, hands down, my favorite SnackFace post ever.
Hannah- Oh my goodness, thank you. You have no idea how much that means to me.
This was beautiful (and I loved your use of shadoob) …silliness aside, it’s so true…life changes, aspirations change…but no ONE thing is ever going to make you happy…especially if you’re not already just plain ole happy with yourself. I’m so happy that you are so happy!!
I love this post girl because it is so relateable, just like you! I have found that the times I have been happiest in my life is when I’ve asked myself “What do I WANT to be doing?” and then I do it. Putting myself in situations where I ignore my true feelings have always ended badly (sometimes really badly!) for me.
Sounds like you know that about yourself too Kailey and I’m really glad you articulated it so well for the rest of us!
Can’t wait to see what happens next for ya!
great post! enjoy life at every moment
two words: hell yes.
You know, if we have as clear and passionate a dream as you do, it should be our job to bring it to us; why should we move to a dream? There are adventures in every corner of the world and it’s up to us to find and live them.
you’re amazing. this attitude is fabulous- i am glad you gave it a try but i think following your heart is the best choice
Oh wow girl, thank you SO much sharing. Isn’t it crazy how dreams can change? How you can think you want something, and ONLY that, and then something happens that opens your eyes.. and sometimes you end up with something even more incredible than you could ever HAVE dreamed of?! Life is crazy. But when you stay true to yourself and follow your heart, you will never go wrong.
Wow – powerful, girl. You know, I have always thought that I’d LOVE to live in NYC too. But you are right – we get too caught up in ‘where’ instead of ‘why’ or ‘how.’ I am so happy you figured this out early on. Live it up!
I know I don’t usually comment but, I always read your blog, and this one stood out to me immediatley!
I hope that all of your dreams come true in life, because I can tell you have the desire and drive to MAKE them happen!
Honestly if you don’t become a very successful person in life and love, I would be very suprised! Actually scratch that, you already are!
You’re truly a rock star and a role model!
<3 Tori
Tori- Wow, thank you so much for your support and confidence. All I hope for is that by sharing, I can help someone. Also, your comment made me think about the word success. Isn’t it funny how the definition of that can change, too?
Sorry, my link didn’t go up so I’m posting again…..oops! I don’t like being anonamous Haha!
<3 Tori
AMAZING, AMAZING, AMAZING. eloquent, beautiful words my friends. all i have to say: AMEN SISTER.
Holly- Thank you, my love!
“If you want to make good somewhere, why not make good where you are?”
You go girl. Do what makes you happy, wherever that is.
Exquisite.
I wish I had figured that out at 22!
oh kailey, this post just speaks to me. as you know, ive been through the NYC, life of my dreams, city of sex, go go go lifestyle. its not all its cracked up to be, and if you dont feel the charm, dont force it. listen to your heart and it will never fail you. youre a smart cookie and you already know how to be happy. so location be damned, live it up wherever you have a smile on your face
Honestly? Most mentally helpful blog post I’ve read for months. I’ve been exactly the same as you, having a “plan” in my head all through my teens of how I would move to X city, land X job and be totally happy. After going through some serious health issues in the past couple of years, I’m learning that my priorities have shifted. I’m not as ambitious career-wise as I used to be, I’m instead striving for happiness, and maybe that happiness is right here, not in an idealised vision of cosmopolitan life on the other side of the world in London. I’ve stopped looking with envy at Facebook status updates from people who are scattered all over the globe being “exciting”. Life is what you make of it wherever you are, and happiness is more important than my idea of “success” from five years ago.
You rock. Thank you for posting this.
Laura- I said “exactly” aloud when I read the Facebook comment. For a long time I thought, “I can’t wait to be able to update my Facebook status to: Moving to NY and working for Glamour!” or whatever. It’s an interesting mix of what I thought I wanted and what I thought others would expect of me, and then having to completely drown that out. Because who gives a hoot! YOU rock for taking the time to read, comment and share a bit of yourself!
So. Well. Put.
You are amazing!! And I am so inspired by your strong intuition! I love youuu. Keep doin’ whatcha doin’ Kailey! Enjoy yourself now, and figure out the next step when the time is right.
I’ve also had this major dream of living in a big city after college, but your post made me realize that things may totally change! Sure, I may end up loving this life that seems just so perfect right now…OR I may even wind up in a completely different place, and just as happy! I’ll just have to wait and see–again, love you!
So proud of you! Because this is a HUGE thing to realize and I’m so glad you did. Thanks for sharing, I hope you can inspire many others with this post!
You know that question? When I’m old and look back at my life I wanna think…? You probably won’t think then “so glad I had that great job that everyone thought was so good, too bad I didn’t truly live”. You wanna think “I’m thankful for my family and friends, for all the fun and precious moments”.
Wise choice lovely girl!
xxx Julia (Taste of Living)
Such a fantastic and well written post Kailey! I love the phrase: ‘Live and love your life’!
Freaking amazing. You really are so wise beyond your years, it’s astounding. Isn’t New York “the concrete jungle where dreams are made of, there’s nothing you can’t do”? When I moved to New York I thought all my problems would immediately fly away, and I would get caught up in this fabulous life where everything was handed to me because of my proximity to, well, everything. And you know what? I still have my struggles. I still have nights where I sit at home bored. I’ve learned to love New York for the city itself, not what it can bring me. There are thousands of opportunities there, but just because they’re in New York it doesn’t make them right for me. I’m staying in New York as long as I want to, and that’s it. I know it won’t be forever, and I’m okay with that. Like you said, the people in my life mean so much more than the place.
Good luck with everything, love. You know you’re meant for fabulous things, and you will absolutely achieve them. Wherever you are right now is exactly where you’re meant to be…keep cherishing those people and being your amazing self. Love you!!
I love this post. Love love love. I don’t think many people realize that it’s okay when you change your mind about where you want to be and what you want to do. You’ve gotta do what makes you happy.
Wherever you end up in the future and whatever you end up doing, good luck!
Aww I love this post! You’re right…it’s not about where you are but the people who surround you and support you! I am almost 25 and I’ve been through 3 jobs. If you don’t like one, you just move on and keep trying out things that interest you or take more classes or do something outside of work that fuels your passion!
This resonates with me more than you could EVER know. Love you Kailey, and whatever you do in life will be amazing.
I think at 22 you just figured out what it takes many people years, and possibly their entire lives, to figure out.
I LOVED this post! I’m not sure if I’ve commented before or just been quietly lurking, but this one definitely deserved a comment! I could have written this word for word. I insisted I would never live in my hometown, yet now I’m not quite sure I can imagine living anywhere else. Plans and wants change, we just need to realize it before it’s too late! I’m so happy that you’re so happy!
NySoonerGirl- “I insisted I would never live in my hometown, yet now I’m not quite sure I can imagine living anywhere else.” YES YES YES!!! My goodness, in high school I thought Cincinnati was the worst place and that I would never end up living there. Now I love it so much!
“scratch that- i love wherei am”
that line particularly stood out for me. i’m so, SO glad youre able to recognize how you really feel. its so important
I loved this post! “Taste this moment. If it tastes funky, spit it out.” This line fits in perfectly with my life right now. A lot of things are changing for me, some I can’t control, some I can, but that’s ok! And you’re right, it’s not what you’re doing or where you are that makes a happy life, it’s the people. So I’m trying to learn to let go and let things change. I’ll be happy because I’ll always be with the people I love… thank you for this!!!
You go, girl!!
I think it’s awesome that you realized something was off and that you are happy exactly where you are. More often than not people ignore their gut and press on which usually doesn’t lead to happiness.
“Live and love your life. Taste this moment. If it tastes funky, spit it out. Try something else. Still aim for exactly what you want. If that changes, that’s fine, too.” I LOVE THAT! I tend to get scared when my dreams change. Why, I don’t know, but it’s OKAY! We are constantly changing, all we can do is follow our hearts in this moment.
Thanks for this!!
I love this post! I was always the same way. I’d tell myself, “you’ll be happier and healthier if you move here, or do this…” And the truth is–you have to make yourself happy. Objects and places can’t do that for you. I try to make the most out of everything I have. And it’s worked! I am so happy with my life right now!
i’m so glad you are in tune with yourself and not afraid to reevaluate your plans…better to make a change now than years later realize you are not at all where you want to be. reading this gave me the chills- not even kidding!
Love. This. Post. Really hit the nail on the head with this one.
I’m really impressed by this post and your personal conclusions. It seems that so many of us get caught up in what we once thought we should be doing that we force a path that isn’t quite right. It’s awesome that you’ve figured it out earlier rather than later. Happiness and geography certainly share some space in the universe, but as someone who used to treat location as the key to everything, it really does come down to people.
I too identify with this. Last year, at age 22, after graduating, I moved to SPAIN for an internship. I met this boy, etc. Now I’m moving back this fall to teach English so I can be with him. Crazy? Maybe. Worth it? I really do think so…but after this year? Who freaking knows!!
i can’t agree with you more, Kailey. after living in NYC for 4 years and just graduating from NYU, i can tell you that if you don’t feel like you belong in a place, you need to trust that instinct because bending the pieces until they fit (dashboard confessional’s phrase, not mine) won’t change the feeling. having left New York 2 months ago for a job at a wonderful, family-run, independent publishing company in my CT hometown, i don’t think i’ll be looking back either and it doesn’t scare me one bit. you should be proud of your conclusion! your dreams start with you, not with a place. i think we’ve both learned this far before a lot of other recent graduates will!
This is such a great post! I love that you are able to really look back on your dreams and realize that what you have right now makes you happy. You rock!
Yay! I’m so happy to see you happy! You seem to have such a wonderful life full of loving people and everything going for you. But what really makes it is that you know it and you live it to the fullest. YOU have created the life you want!
I’m working on it and had always felt the same way about my career and my future- I’m going to move to NY or Europe, travel the world as a diplomat or some really important political person with a lot of influence. Well, I tried the politics and yeah I felt good doing it but it’s stressful and not conducive to sharing the other side of life I want with the people I love. I also have always been desperate to get out of Houston, but after 24 years, turns out I love Houston! And more importantly my family is there so even though I love traveling and will probably always hop from country to country, I end up missing home and always come back. Thanks for the reminder to appreciate this!
<3
loved.every.single.word.
you are adored and truly bring hope into my (everyones) life.
Gina G- Stop making me cry! xoxoxo
What an absolutely beautiful post. I can’t even express the words how this made me feel
Hey girl! I’ve been a long time reader of your lovely blog. I love your sass, wit, and delicious eats. I’m glad you’re happy and surrounded by people you love. Your drive and aspiration is very inspiring.
Although many people say you can conquer your dreams in any setting, I feel that phrase is overused and not true in lots of cases. I know you’re not giving up your dreams entirely, but it seems like you may be selling yourself too short. I see you have a new boyfriend, who seems wonderful, but please don’t lose sight of your goals because of a new relationship. I know waaay too many girls who’ve gone down that path and have regretted it deeply. Sorry for the long shpeal from someone you don’t even know. I completely agree that it all comes down to happiness, but don’t knock something down before giving it a try. You could be just as happy or even happier in another location.
Anyway, I’m glad to see you’re having a wonderful summer. Like you said, being happy IS the most important ingredient to life!
Kailey!
Thank you so much for writing this post. I felt the exact same way for a while. I thought that I would only be happy if I lived here or there, but now I’m starting to realize that where you live really doesnt matter, as long as the pp you love are there! I am so happy that you have come to this realization and I am so excited for your amazing future where ever you end up!!
-Anica
You never know where life is going to take you Snackface. Ohio today, NY tomorrow or maybe West Des Moines!!! Seems like you realize that happiness is not something you “find”, you trip over it on your way out the door to work, love, family, friends, serving others….
We luv the thought of you being near us,… but at some time you must come home so that we can edit your stuff.You must also post about the call you made to me when I was working. see you soon. OXOX
I love and (try to) live by this quote from a song by the Ataris: “The only thing that matters is just following your heart, and eventually you’ll finally get it right.” Sounds like you’re living by this mantra, too.
You get ‘em, girrrl.
Hey dude. I’m delurking! (Sorry for being sketchy). Anyway, I just wanted to emphasize that there’s nothing wrong with going at your own pace. I was always disappointed in myself for not moving out of my college town when I graduated. I’ve been working at the same job for years now and I’ve worried that I’m scared and boring. However, things happen when they should! I sorta regret not moving at 23, but I look at my life now: financially secure, an amazing bf, awesome furry children, and an impending book deal. My life is awesome. If I had moved, my life would have gone down a different path. It would still be a good life, I have no doubt. But it would be different. Enjoy what you have and see what comes of it!
Hey girl,
This was a great post, and one I can totally understand. Ever since I lived in the UK as a little girl, I always vowed to return and live in London again one day. Recently I’ve met the most amazing guy and he works in Roxby Downs, a very small mining town about 6 hours drive from my house in the city of Adelaide, South Australia. In a few months I’m moving there and I’ll be skypeing with the editor of the paper up there for the possibility of my dream job (layout and design of the newspaper and advertising). I NEVER thought I would move somewhere as small and far away from the city lights as Roxby, but it just feels so RIGHT!!!
I’m so glad you’ve realised your new dream. Someone is going to snap you up when they realise just how amazing you are at what you do
Em xo
LOVED this post. I think it’s amazing that you can realize when a dream is “past it’s expiration date” and when it’s time to reevaluate. Sometimes people cling to dreams when what they should be doing is enjoying the life they have now. “Living and love life” is a great motto!
*loving!
I love everything about this post: the wisdom, the self-assurance, the precocity. It’s wonderful. I do think that pursuing professional fulfillment is one of life’s most important tasks, but there’s no reason that your professional life need be tethered to NYC.
HOWEVER, I am allowed to be a little mad at you for not moving here solely to hang with, um, moi.
Post-graduation is SUCH a freaking confusing time. I never thought I’d end up at home right after college either but it’s what best for me right now and I’m loving it. We’ll all get where we’re supposed to be going
Oh snippity snap, you totally read my mind and made it about 10x more eloquent than I could ever recount this realization! I definitely went through this same realization about a month or two ago when I decided to withdraw from school (Don’t regret that, I hated my former school, but I hated that i just gave up on school. That’s what transferrin’ is for, though!
) and move to Chicago to go to Improv school, my dream since I was 7. I hated that I just put myself in this box, because when it really comes down to it, what if I’d like to go some other path but I won’t because my 7 year old self would get pouty about my “failed dream”. Needless to say, I loved this post and it definitely got my gears a-moving on what I plan to do next with my crazy life of mine! 
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