Grow Where You're Planted

Today I realized something that could completely alter my beliefs about the state of Georgia.  For the past few months, I had been making every effort to evacuate and run as far away as possible the minute graduation rolled around.  Los Angeles, Phoenix, London- whatever, I didn't care I just craved a change in scenery.  A new and foreign playground to explore, taste, and revel in.  But maybe what I really needed was a change in perspective.

Sure, I've lived here my whole life and yeah a new place would be a great adventure.  But something hit me: I have been in a rut about the places in which I reside. Now when I say reside, I mean live, work, and play.  Except the only "playing" I've consistently taken advantage of has involved parties and bar hopping which is fun only up to a certain point- then it's just exhausting.  Why is it that sometimes traveling to new places seems like the only way to experience new things?

I have lived in Atlanta my whole life and I had never been on the Chattahoochee River until today. I mean come on! This beautiful little oasis of sunlight, Georgia pines, and lyrical rushing waters was twenty minutes from my front door! And what have I been doing? Sitting out of the explorer game and wishing I was back in Morocco: or daydreaming about learning to surf in Los Angeles. These dreams are great! But I needed to realize that I don't have to pick up and move across the country to discover the enchanting world around me.

So, Yes. I'm going to stay in the beautiful state of Georgia, but from now on I'll think about my backyard a little differently.

P.S. I have a wonderful new job! I start in two weeks and everything seems to be coming together perfectly! Psh all that worrying for nothing!

Love,

Your 20-Something Backyard Explorer XOXO