Throughout the past 365 days life has thrown its fair share of challenges, and rewards, my way. I often share the majority of my life through my social media which is both a blessing and a curse. Sometimes, due to filtering my social media, it makes this entire journey seem like a breeze. In reality, it's a tough process no matter how fulfilling it is at the end.  (Just ask anyone who has received a call from me ranting or crying over the silliest things haha). However, I wouldn't trade the past year for anything else in the world. In honor of that, here's my 365 post - 3 reasons to leave your hometown, 6 lessons learned and 5 pieces of advice to anyone thinking of doing the same. 

 

When people constantly feel the need to remind you that 'the world is your oyster' that's because it's true. Leaving the only place you've ever known will make you realize just how big, and different, the world truly is. And so are all the opportunities in life. 

Moving to a new place will expose you to so much newness. From new cultures to new cuisines and even new people, you'll have no choice but to step outside of your comfort zone and try new things. Ultimately helping you realize that sometimes change is a good thing. 

There is honestly nothing more helpful in life than other human relations. They are the greatest source of networking worldwide. Whether we like to admit it or not, most opportunities given to us have come from another human relationship. Networking, both personal and within your career, in an entirely new environment will give you the chance to open up many doors in life. 

Home, family, friends. You get a chance to reflect on new experiences while still keeping in mind the ones you've gone through in the past. You'll find yourself quickly becoming more grateful for the things, and people, you've left behind. 

As if moving across the world isn't scary enough on its own, you then have to adapt to an entirely new setting. All things take time; settling in, working, learning how to navigate - in the end, it's all worth it. 

The more places you see and people you meet, the higher the chances of interacting with people who have different opinions than you. No matter where you are in the world, what you do is going to piss at least one person off. Someone will always make sure you are aware of it; that's not your problem. Always put yourself first. 

You settle into a new city on your own; forcing you to gain more trust in yourself and all of your decisions. You face a lot of your fears of being on your own and actually realize it's not that bad after all. If anything, you'll learn to enjoy your own company more than others'. 

No matter where you move to this will always exist; different dialects and new slang are always gonna be challenging at first. 

Leaving everything you've ever known behind is the most challenging thing you'll ever have to do in your life but it'll force you to push your own boundaries and really put yourself out there. You gain a new job, new home and new friends - an entirely new life really. It's the farthest thing from easy but once you've done it, and gotten past the most challenging part, suddenly any other challenges in life seem to be more possible. 

Don't expect packing up and moving away from home to be anything like you see in movies or even on social media. It's not effortless and it's not always easy. 

Adapting in a new environment is going to take time. It'll be very hard at first but the end result will be worth it. Give yourself at least 4-6 months to be fully settled in. 

Don't focus too much on anything happening back home that doesn't concern you or help you grow. You're leaving things, and people, behind. Some will stay with you no matter where you are. And others, well, it's okay to let go. You're too far away to be focusing on anything that doesn't contribute to your life positively. 

There are a few things you can do prior to moving that'll help you in the long run, like research!! Take time to educate yourself on cultural norms, modes of transportations, etc. 

When it gets hard, remind yourself why you're here. Whether it's personal, or work-related, you chose to leave for a reason. Don't let that reason slip. 

At the end of any day, I am blessed to know that I have grown so much as a person. I have grown so much within my career. And I am forever grateful that home will always be waiting for me. The places I have left behind won't be going anywhere; neither will the people I have discovered matter the most. 

It's been one hell of a ride but here's to another 365 days in this city. 

I can't wait to see all the things it'll bring.