If you're from a small town like myself, you probably have never really left much. Aside from the vacations here and there, you return back to your small little corner of the world after a week at most. It's like a living in a bubble.
Sometimes, this isn't so bad, and other times you would do just about anything to pop the bubble you seem to be living in. But do you ever wonder what actually happens when that little bubble of yours pops, and you escape your little corner of the world? Well, I do, because I did escape. Only, I wouldn't call it much of an "escape" because that sounds like my hometown was horrible, which it wasn't. I love my hometown with my heart and soul, but leaving was definitely an eye opener.
When you escape a small town, you expect nothing in the outside world to be that different. In some ways you're right, but in many ways you're also very wrong. It almost comes as a shock when you go out to run errands, or go grab a coffee, and you don't run into twelve different people that you grew up with and their parents. When you escape a small town, not everyone is as friendly as the residents of your hometown. You can't always expect a smile from the lady who knows you behind the counter at Dunkin' Donuts, because when you leave, she doesn't know you and she probably won't smile at you. You won't get waves while your driving, or walking down the street, and no one will stop to ask you how your day is, because you're just another stranger passing by.
When you escape a small town, you will most definitely feel a little lonely. Your best friends don't live three minutes down the road anymore, it's almost a half hour drive to see someone and you're definitely not used to that. Your family feels far, and you didn't even know what it felt like to miss them this much because they've always been right by your side or a few minutes away at most.
When you escape a small town, it will take some getting used to, but eventually, you will adjust to your not so small town anymore. You will learn the ropes of living in a bigger town or city on your own and away from your hometown that you are so accustomed to. It might be hard at first, but you will find your way. When you escape a small town, you will find how much the world has to offer you. You can do anything, go anywhere, and find yourself in these new experiences that you never knew existed. The doors will open with opportunity at every corner and a chance for new relationships, friendships and careers. When you escape a small town, you will learn that you can survive without living in a small town. You can live without seeing everyone you know when you run errands, and you realize that when you go to your new Dunkin Donut's everyday, the lady will start to smile at you too. You don't need to have your friends five minutes down the road at all time, you can be on your own and make all the time in the world to see them when you need them.
When you escape a small town, you can always go back when you need a visit. Your small town will always be your home when you need an escape.
