Life is full of chapters. We begin them, and walk through them, but eventually, they come to an end. Some are full of excitement while others are painful and disheartening. Then there are the chapters that you never want to close--but still want to read ahead to see how the story ends. Moving out and away from home is a lot like ending a wonderful chapter; you are hesitant but excited to see what the future chapters look like. While life is exciting, sometimes we get too caught up in our dreams, future plans and aspirations that we forget the reality of situations. Life isn't easy and neither is moving on.

No one tells you that your heart will be torn, but not shattered. Saying goodbye to friends and family is never easy---and it doesn't get easier (maybe a little less painful, but never easier). If saying goodbye to the ones you supposedly love is easy for you, then perhaps you really don't love them at all, at least not the real kind of love. Part of your heart will be left behind--but hear me when I say that it does not make you broken or incapable, it only makes us thankful of the humble places we call home. Moving on requires us to lay down our barriers and be brave, willing to take risks with everyone watching. Accepting that failure is not only possible, but probable. But failing doesn’t mean we pack up and go home, it means we press on deeper and try harder.

Moving on is scary, yet no one seems to acknowledge that either. The cliché "you'll be fine" or "things will only get better" is frankly annoying and very false--in fact, it is so far from the truth. Moving out and moving on is one of the scariest things you will ever do. Ripping off the band aids of comfort, you become vulnerable and out in the open world with what seems to be little security. There isn't always a job, apartment and future spouse just waiting for you at the end--that's not real life. Real life is facing your fears straight on, crying a lot and being okay with not always being okay.

Moving out and moving on is worth it. Amidst the when's, if's, and what's next's in life—you can come out on the other end knowing that you are capable. In the waiting periods of our lives we can rest to an extent knowing that we are brave. We are capable. We are independent. It seems that moving out and on brings us newfound confidence with which we can say, it's me against the world. No one tells you that moving out and on will be the best decision you’ve ever made.