Life Is Like a Box of Chocolates

They say “home is where the heart is,” and I really think that’s true. I grew up in Massachusetts, and moved to Long Island in high school. When someone asks me where I’m from, that’s exactly what I say. I haven’t lived in Mass. since I was 16, so I’m technically not from there anymore, but I don’t consider myself a Long Islander, or even a New Yorker, even though I live in Brooklyn.

I’ve always been very close with my parents, and I don’t like to be too far away from them for too long if I can help it. When I applied to college, the farthest schools I looked at were in Maryland and D.C. I ended up about two hours away in Connecticut, and that was fine with me. It was just far enough that I could enjoy my independence, but close enough that when I had a bad reaction to a new medicine, my mom could come up and take care of me, and close enough for me to surprise my dad for his birthday one year. When I was looking for jobs after graduation, the farthest city I looked in was, again, DC. I’m happy that I work and live in New York City, a mere hour and a quarter train ride from my parents out on LI. My dad comes in on his day off to have lunch with me near my office, and when my mom was in the hospital, I was able to visit her every day after work. Don’t get me wrong, I’m a big girl. I make my own decisions, and I don’t tell my parents everything.  But, I am proud of the relationship that I have with them. They are amazing people who I admire and love with all of my heart, and I cherish the time I spend with them.

I’m truly impressed with people who can pick up and move across the country, but at this point in my life, that’s not for me. I’m not limiting myself. I have a great job at a fantastic company that challenges me every day. I have friends in this city from many different times and places in my life. Not everyone needs or wants to step totally outside of their comfort zone. You can still have a happy, fulfilling life by enjoying exactly where you are.  I have goals, hopes, and dreams, I haven’t forgotten them. But, if I don’t accomplish them tomorrow, or next week, or even this year, that doesn’t mean they’ll never happen. I’m making every moment count.

*Note: The photo was taken stalker-style outside of my old house in Massachusetts. It now has a random balcony in the middle of the second floor…and Christmas lights.

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