In case the title of this post didn’t give it away – I grew up in a small town. From preschool all the way to high school graduation I knew everything about everyone – some a little too much. My first job was at our local McDonald’s and my free-time was spent driving up and down the same roads, listening to the same music, with the same people I had known all my life. Growing up in a small town was humbling, but it also made me realize that I desired more in life than it could give me. 

I guess I’ll take it back a bit further, and tell you what inspired me to leave in the first place. When I was 10-years old I had my heart set on being an actress and had an obsession with Hollywood, which led me to believe I’d live in LA when I was older. However, as I grew up I realized that I didn’t actually have a passion for acting so I kind of pushed my LA dreams to the side for a bit. I had thought for the longest time that if I can’t make it in the entertainment industry, what would be the point? What other industry is possibly booming in LA where I could live in my dream city and live comfortably? 

The answer: a lot. There are so many booming industries in southern California, especially the cannabis industry, which is the industry I’m working in (subtle plug). I’ve now been established in LA for five months and this has truly been the best decision I’ve ever made for myself. I feel extremely passionate that everyone should leave their hometown and go out and experience the world, so I gathered a list of reasons why leaving your hometown, even for a little bit, is one of the best things you can do for yourself in life.

1. Meet People From Around The World

You’re likely to meet people from around the world in any big city, but one thing I’ve noticed in LA is that a vast majority of the people you meet are from elsewhere. At my first apartment in LA, my roommates were from Mexico and Morocco. Being that I’ve only ever had roommates from Minnesota or Wisconsin, this change was amazing for me. Being able to learn from others about their experiences growing up is eye opening and makes you appreciate life in a whole new way. It helps you to see things from a new perspective, and allows you to feels more connected to the world as a whole.

2. Feel Brand New with A Fresh Start

This can be a pro or a con depending on how you view it. I mean, let’s be honest. Leaving your small town means leaving everything that you’re comfortable with. Everything that you’re used to. It can be scary moving out of a place you’ve spent most of your life in, to a new place that feels so unfamiliar. It can be incredibly difficult at times, but from the moment I arrived in LA I’ve felt so free. When I lived in Minnesota, I knew so many people that I could run into at any point who would know me and my business just because of where I’m from. I feel like because of this, I had spent so much time hiding pieces of myself. Now that I live in LA, I’ve become more comfortable with accepting who I am. I’m not hiding pieces of myself. I don’t have to let things of the past get in my way anymore.

3. Embrace The Independence

There’s no doubt that moving away from any sense of familiarity makes you more independent. Moving across the country to a big city where you know maybe a total of three people will make you the most independent you’ve ever been. I used to be able to show up at my parents house when I needed help or someone to talk to. But now I have to figure it out on my own. It can be lonely at times, but it makes you realize a lot about yourself. It makes you stronger and less likely to give a fuck.

4. Learn To Not Give A F*CK

Jumping right off of being less likely to give a fuck – you truly learn to not care what people think of you. When I was in high school, I used to spend hours getting ready and trying to look as put together as possible. Even in college I put more effort into my appearance and how I came across to others. Since I’ve been on my own in a new state across the country from anything familiar, I’ve become very comfortable with who I am – naturally. We’re all unique in our own ways. Every single one of us, so EMBRACE it.

5. Open Up To Opportunity

Whether it’s for your career or for adventure, moving out of your small town can provide much more opportunity for you. For me, it was all about opportunity, and adventure just naturally came with it. As I mentioned previously, there are so many industries to work in when you’re living in a big city. As much as my home town will always be a part of me, I did not want to work at the local gas stations, restaurants or my family’s  business forever (sorry, dad). Plus, depending on the place you move, there are so many options of things to do in your free time. Personally, I love to explore the many hiking trails and beaches in LA. It’s a great way to stay active, plus follows social distancing guidelines.

So there you have it. Leaving your small town can open your eyes to much bigger things in life. I will admit, there are moments where things get lonely. I wish I could drive to my parents house and see them when I’m having a tough day like I used to be able to. But in the long run, this has made me a much stronger individual. I’m more confident in myself and those who I have in my life, and for the first time ever, I feel a sense of peace with where I’m at.

Have you ever made a big move that changed your life? Send me a message – I’d love to hear about it!