Leaving home wasn't easy. It actually took me two times believe it or not to actually decide that "home" in Pennsylvania was no longer where my heart was. I knew that there was more out there for me to become the woman I was meant to be. Getting accepted to Western State Colorado University three days before school was to start that spring semester, sitting in my bed... my dad said something I will never forget. He said, "maddie, if this is what you want then lets do this, get our a*s's in the car-lets drive mad".... and that's what we did. Little did I know, that moment was the turning point of me becoming what I am today. We made it all the way to Colorado from Pennsylvania to start classes within those three days. PHEW.
Places: Sometimes places can be temporary, they can be permanent, or most importantly...a stepping stone to where you journey lies ahead next. I will forever be thankful for growing up in small town (Edinboro, PA) with my grandma alive, learning how to ski at age 3 at the local Mount Pleasant Resort- known for the family hangout, and learning to be a little girl who runs wild in the corn fields to only roll in the dirt next.
Society tells us: We are told and sometimes made to feel we need that 9 to 5 job and 4+ year college degree to make something of ourselves in society. We are told to not take gap years, semesters off, and to stick to the status quo. Sorry but...WRONG. Taking time-even if it's just a personal hiatus to readjust your personal mission or values on who and where you want to be is okay. People tend to always ask me "how can you make money by playing outside?". Money does help things go smoothly or to get you from place to place but It's not everything. I make amazing money for the lifestyle I have chosen to pursue. Simplicity. I am so thankful for taking time off of college temporarily to reevaluate what I wanted give back to the world with my true purpose in mind. We don't always have to have it figured out. Life and new steps are a d*mn process, in which you choose to pursue those endless choices at your hands.
"The key just has to be turned-work just has to be put in".
The golden quote to a new place: A girl named sammy that I grew up with once told me "The key to leaving for a new place is- give at least a month to settle and see how you truly feel". She was very right on this one and I carry her words with me every new place I go. Just take the chance, the leap, hop, bound, or skip... at least you can say you "did something wild once" to your grand kids someday.
New places, new jobs, and new goals are always what keeps us continually growing ourselves- Don't let the fear take it away.
My life of adventure is dedicated to a sweet woman: Barbara
Comments