Being in a small town can be difficult. Sometimes it just isn’t right for you, no matter how much you try to make it so. The complaints go on and on:
“There aren’t enough people here.”
“I’ll never fit in.”
“There aren’t enough opportunities here.”
Life happens all in due time. With perseverance, 10 or 20 years from now could find you somewhere else. The goal is to never give up on these dreams and pursue them no matter the obstacle. People will reject you. People will tell you know. If you listen to them, this will only prove them correct. If you let someone else define your worth and how far you will go in life, you will remain stagnant- eternally in one place with no hope of rising to your full potential.
First and foremost, you have to have that belief in yourself that you can achieve what you set your mind to. Sure, you may not come from the most populated place on either. You may not agree with the ideologies of your city or state, and you may feel like there are bigger things waiting for you. This could be true, but you have to take that leap and prepare to go through any difficulties to get there.
When you’re there, and you step foot in the thriving culture and bright lights of the big city, swallow your fears and face the challenge head on. It will be a culture shock, especially if you are used to the quaint and quiet environment of your home. Expect a huge change in the cost of living. Expect the people to not be as nice. The food will be different and the city sights will be beautiful, but it will be a while before you can truly call it home.
The important thing is to always remember where you came from. When someone asks about your accent, don’t find it to be an insult, but proudly state the name of the city that made you. Every experience we have is a part of us, and God put us in our small town for a reason. Maybe that reason was to make a difference, and maybe that reason was just to make the place that raised us proud.
So never stop dreaming, but also never stop going back to your roots. For all its flaws and for all its beauty, you started someplace small and wonderful. Big cities are made up of people from all over the world trying to start a new life. Sometimes the people there don’t take time out of their day to help someone else or perform little acts of kindness. This is more characteristic of life in a smaller town, but it’s crucial that these traits are never forgotten. Walk into wherever you end up with courage and dignity, and face the environment with kindness and love in your heart.
Ultimately, don’t let the big city change who you are. Your heart and passion will not be crushed if you keep your faith and remain headstrong. Love yourself, and love those around and you can begin to make a huge difference.
