Remember the movie ‘Sweet Home Alabama’? Reese Witherspoon plays a fashion designer who moved to New York to escape her Southern roots and start over to “make something of herself”. Only when she revisited the place in which she grew up did she realize that New York had changed her. That she wasn't as happy there as she had previously thought...
It’s amazing what we learn from a single year of experience. I love New York. I cherish each and every memory made there and I know that I will visit there on a regular basis…but not so very long ago, something hit me…it hit like a ton of bricks.
Yes, everyone thought I was a “city girl”. That I was made for New York. But growing up, I awakened each and every morning to birds chirping. The sounds of nature. The rivers flowing over rocks and the quiet of untainted bliss.
I was accustomed to “Southern Hospitality” and spoiled by “Southern Gentleman”.
But suddenly, I found myself waking up to the sounds of traffic, having to rush constantly, and never having time to just enjoy the simplicity of life.
I became jaded. I was becoming someone I was not…untrue to the person I was meant to be.
I was told I was too nice. Too kind. I wasn’t focused enough on money or possessions. I wasn’t brash enough. Life became a little too complicated...
When you go against the grain, splinters happen…and they did. I felt like I was being pulled in half. Into two separate individuals.
But I came back home and suddenly, after spending time with my friends and family, it all flooded back to me in a rush of emotions like never before. Happiness! Bliss! HOME!
The real me is a Southern Girl. Grilling out by the lake, playing in the rivers with the kids, fishing (yes I fish), and never having to worry about being approached by someone who is only looking out for themselves.
We live and we learn and different people are meant for different things.
I was meant for “too nice”. I was brought up to be a lady. To enjoy a peaceful life. To appreciate what I have.
Sipping Dandelion Wine by the river at the campfire. Friends playing the guitar while the sounds of nature accompany the chorus. Driving to the beach…driving to the Parkway.
I had missed it all and didn’t even realize what exactly was missing until I returned.
New York was great. It was fun and exciting and always alive.
But this?
This fits too.
And this is home.
So Blowing Rock, Wilmington, or Oxford? They all call my name.
And as I sit in my apartment located in NC, I realize just how beautiful this place truly is.
How loved I really am.
How many true friends I have here.
AND how many opportunities there are waiting around the corner.
Turn the page everyone.
Join me for the next chapter.
