Growing up in a small town, I remember hearing (and saying) phrases like:

"I can't wait to get out."

"Everyone is always in my business."

"There's nothing to do here."

"I'll never miss this place."

"Living close to family is just annoying."

It's easy to think these things because at the time they seem true. We feel like we need to get out because the grass is always greener on the other side.

So you finally get out - you leave for college or to start a new job. After a few months you realize that your little home wasn't so bad after all. You'll find yourself waiting to hear your favorite radio DJ that you listened to since you were 5. You'll see pictures of your town on Facebook or Twitter and feel yourself get teary-eyed. You will message your friends every day, begging them to come visit you. You'll catch a whiff of your mom's favorite candle and be flooded with memories of family movie night. You will come across your dad's favorite old TV show that you hated so much, but you will watch it anyway just to feel like you are back home even if it is only for 30 minutes. You'll be in the kitchen trying to copycat your favorite local restaurant, but then give up because no one will make food like them.

Living in a big city is a hard transition to make. We think we need to do it to prove that we can or because you feel like it is the "adult" thing to do. Maybe moving to a big city is a great thing to do, but you need to enjoy that one-horse town while you can. Take in every aspect of that life and savor it.

Leaving isn't a bad thing, it's an amazing experience to go out and see the world. Just don't be surprised when you hear "Small Town USA" in the car and your heart sinks a little. You never truly appreciate something until you no longer have it.