Growing up in a small town, I never would have imagined moving away to a city, or even moving away in general. There is a lot to be said about growing up in a small town, and don't get me wrong, it was a blast, however, you can only grow so much there. Upon graduating from college, I knew I did not want to go back home. I knew there were bigger and better opportunities elsewhere.

Most people are terrified of moving away from home, and I'm here to tell you it can be the best decision you will ever make. I decided to move from my small hometown to a city, and I could not be happier. Your 20's are about taking chances, spreading your wings, and doing whatever you desire. Being alone for the first time is most definitely terrifying but it is also very rewarding in so many ways. Exploring a new place is exciting, and everything is new.

So, how do you survive away from home? You have to whole heartedly believe that moving away to a new place is something you really want to do. You have to believe in yourself and the possibilities that you are capable of. Being in a new place is exciting, nerve wracking, and terrifying all at the same time. At first, you will have so many mixed emotions about leaving home and really being on your own. It's easy to be scared and want to turn right back around and go back to living the life you have always lived with the people you are most comfortable with. At first I thought I might have made a mistake by moving. It's obviously harder being on your own, paying your own bills, and trying to be an adult, but it is worth it in the end.

Being in your comfort zone will only get you so far. Everyone can easily thrive in an area they are so familiar with, but how rewarding is it? Do something you have never done before by just taking risks. Do you want to look back at your life and think "I should have done that--I should have taken risks when I had the chance?" I don't. I can tell you first hand that by choosing to pursue your dreams is the best decision you will ever make. Moving away is hard, of course it is, but you will survive and you will succeed if it is what you really want.

You're young. Take chances. Take risks. Move away from home. Take the job you have always dreamed of having. Step out of that comfort zone you know so well and be a little uncomfortable for a while. Live life with zero regrets. Tackle your dreams head on. Do not look back (even though you may want at first). You can survive away from home. Take my advice, I can promise you you will not regret it.