You're ready to go. Your bags are packed, your parents have given you the same speech about calling them every night, and you're so excited to begin this chapter of your life. That's on the outside.On the inside, you're not alright. You didn't get sleep last night because you were so terrified of being out on your own. But this change of scenery may be something that needs to happen. It's OK to be scared on the inside and even on the outside too.
My change of scenery involved going to work for Disney and leaving my friends and family for five months. I remember moving to Northern Kentucky University and not knowing anyone in the beginning and how the adjustment was better than I thought it was going to be. I hoped it would be the same this time around. So for those in the same position, facing a new adventure, here are six points to remember when venturing off on your own to a brand new place.
1. The World's Not Ending
When you leave the place you are coming from, it doesn't mean that world ends. In fact, it goes on without you. Some of your friends are going to start new adventures of their own, moving forward with their lives. So don't keep your life there. They haven't.
2. Your “Home Friends” Don't Disappear
Does everything change once you leave? Maybe. Maybe it won't be the same when you get back. But you have to understand that the true friendships don't truly change, regardless of whether or not you leave. It's like watching a movie and pressing pause. When you come back to the movie, it'll still be there at that same spot. They will be there. Don't worry.
3. New Friends Aren't Replacing Your Old Ones
Making friends in a new environment is a struggle for a lot of people. People are not monsters that transform at the stroke of midnight, and they aren't as intimidating as you might perceive them to be. In fact, like spiders, they are probably more scared of you than you are of them. Starting a conversation with a stranger and having someone to talk to during tough times is vital in starting a new chapter in life. You can call home, but it won’t make you feel better about being there. It's going to make you want to go back. And you never know — a friend you make in your new place may be one standing next to you at your wedding, the godparent of your children, or the one you want to sit and grow old with at the nursing home. You don't have to be friends with everyone, just find a group of people who will make you feel at home.
4. Expand Your Horizons, Allowing You To Live
When you go to this new place, things are going to change. And that's perfectly fine. In fact, it's a lot better for you. Go to the beach because you can’t go to the beach in your hometown; go explore unique places and try new foods. Life is so much more than just submitting to the same, normal routine. Don't stick to your same routine. Allow yourself to be open and explore.
5. Searching For A Significant Other Is A Mistake
See the attractive guy over there? Want to take him on a date? Do it. Kind of misleading from the title, right? Wrong. If this sort of opportunity comes along, jump for it. If not, don't look for it. You are not in your new world to find a significant other; you’re there to make yourself a better person. You're there to find out who you are as a human being. Don’t let dating be the only thing on your radar. Look at exploring and establishing yourself.
6. Don't Go A Day Without Making A Memory
Have an inside joke, say or do something embarrassing, and don't have any regrets. If your friends want to sit and look at the stars at 2 a.m. (and you won't be late for work in the morning), go with them. If your friend needs you to go on a drive with him because he's having a rough night, get in the car. Sometimes the memories won't be good. Sometimes they'll be rough, and they’ll be ones that you reflect on and think, "I was really dumb for doing that." Don't regret these moments because theymade you who you are today. So go, have fun, be in the moment, and make it one to remember.
Still afraid? It’s OK if your answer is yes. I'm not going to say that you need to stay behind and never go; If you're not ready for it now, take some time. And once the time comes, you'll be ready and you'll know home is still here for you. Just be sure to make this new place your home as well.
