I originally grew up in a very small town with extremely firm beliefs that would often go unquestioned. I’d lived a life that reflected the beliefs of the town and those around me. Not once did I question the way I acted, conversed and upheld the structures of this town. When I did try to speak out for different movements and things that weren’t naturally accepted, I was misunderstood. This small town I grew up in holds a lot of special memories near and dear to my heart. However, I knew it was time to move on because I felt there was something more out there for me… I believe everyone has that something.
It’s difficult to experience personal growth in your twenties in the town/city you grew up in, learning certain structures and how to function within them. Breaking out of the place where you had so many first experiences is imperative to be able to reflect fully on those experiences. Once you leave, you’re no longer influenced by the place or the people in it and are able to develop your own beliefs without any bias. This became clear to me as soon as I left and was exposed to other ways of life. I realized that I had the opportunity to build my own way of living and wasn’t confined to what I learned in my hometown.
When leaving your hometown, it forces you to seek discomfort which allows for significant personal growth. It enables you to figure out things about yourself you never would’ve known under the constraints of your hometown. Meeting new people, exposure to new settings and cultures and grasping new areas will allow you to see a new side of yourself that I can promise you’ll love.
The biggest benefit of moving out of your hometown in your twenties is the endless amount of freedom. No longer living under your parents’ roof, rules and teachings will allow you to further develop your own interests, beliefs and thoughts. My amazing parents truly understood this concept and couldn’t have supported me more in moving away from them. I can’t remember the number of times they’d reassure me that I was going to love living without them and how amazing these transformative years will be for me. Although I miss them dearly, they couldn’t have been more right. I realize not everyone’s parents are as supportive as mine, which can make moving out even more difficult. They’ll understand one day and will love you for choosing what’s best for you and absolutely adore the person you become. Looking back at the person I was in that small town and the person I am now in a new town, it’s clear to see just how much I’ve changed … for the better.
Listening to new perspectives, making decisions for yourself and gaining new experiences are all part of leaving the place you grew up in. Your twenties are for figuring out who you are, and I truly believe that isn’t possible when living within the limitations of your hometown. Exploration and exposure to new endeavours are waiting for you outside of your hometown. Go be selfish and explore what the world has to offer you in a new place.