The year 2020 will forever be etched in our memories as the year the world came to a standstill due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The uncertainty, fear, and isolation that enveloped us all made me reevaluate my life and priorities. It was during this time that I realized how much I had been neglecting myself.
I am a Brooklyn girl through and through; that's where my story begins. Surrounded by familiar faces and routines had lulled me into a state of complacency. I was constantly tending to the needs of others, whether it was family, friends, or work. My own dreams, ambitions, and personal growth had taken a back seat. The pandemic served as a wake-up call, urging me to reconsider my choices and the direction in which my life was headed.
Three years ago, I made a life-altering decision that had me packing up my stuff and filling up a moving truck heading to a new city, away from my home in NYC, my family, and my friends. It was a decision that wasn’t easy, but it was necessary for my personal growth and well-being. Today, I want to share my journey and the real reason behind my move, which was to focus on myself and find my true purpose in life.
Leaving Home: A Difficult Choice
Leaving your hometown is never an easy choice, especially when you have a close-knit family and a circle of friends who have been there for you through thick and thin. For me, this decision was particularly challenging because I was leaving behind everything I had known for most of my life. But sometimes, life has a way of nudging you in a different direction, and it’s up to you to recognize the signs and make the necessary changes. God moved me, and at the time, I wasn’t 100% sure why.
The Catalyst for Change
The catalyst for my decision to leave my hometown was a growing sense of unease and dissatisfaction with my life. I felt like I was stuck in a rut, literally a hamster on that wheel of life. Living a life that I had fallen into rather than one that I had actively chosen. It was a realization that hit me hard, and I knew that I needed to take a step back and reevaluate my priorities.
I had been so focused on meeting the expectations of others — my family, my friends, and society at large — that I had lost sight of what truly mattered to me. I had been neglecting my own dreams, passions, and ambitions in the pursuit of a conventional life that didn’t align with my authentic self. Made me question what I was taught about how life is supposed to be. Why do we apply pressure on ourselves based on rules that “they” made up? (Whoever “they” are… see my point?)
The Journey of Self-Discovery
Leaving my hometown was just the first step on my journey of self-discovery. I moved to a new city, where I knew little to no one and had to start from scratch. It was scary, and there were moments when I questioned my decision. But the sense of peace that came over me let me know this was needed. It was also liberating. It gave me the space and freedom to explore who I truly was and what I wanted out of life.
Over the past three years, I have delved deep into self-reflection, introspection, and personal growth. I’ve taken the time to identify my passions, strengths, and weaknesses. I’ve pursued hobbies and interests that I had long neglected.
Rediscovering My Purpose
One of the most significant outcomes of this journey has been the rediscovery of my purpose. I realized that my true calling was always in women's empowerment and self-improvement. However, my purpose looked different from what I had been pursuing before. Recently, I decided to follow God’s calling and pursue a career that aligned with my passions and values. READ From Vision to Passion
I’ve also learned the importance of self-care and prioritizing my mental and emotional well-being. Taking time for self-care activities, such as meditation, journaling, and regular exercise, has allowed me to build resilience and better cope with life’s challenges. Adding these tools to the toolbox and getting rid of the tools that no longer serve me has been a game changer. With these new tools, I am able to maintain my peace & reduce stress and worry.
Reconnecting with Loved Ones
Leaving my home didn’t mean severing ties with my family and friends. In fact, the physical distance has shown me a lot about the relationships I maintain, and it made me appreciate some of these relationships even more. I’ve maintained regular communication with my loved ones, and our connections have grown stronger despite the miles between us.
A Message to Others
If you ever find yourself in a situation where you feel trapped or unfulfilled in your current circumstances, I want to encourage you to consider the possibility of making a change. Leaving your comfort zone may be scary, and your change doesn't have to be as drastic as moving to a new city, but it can also be the key to unlocking your true potential and finding your purpose.
Remember that it’s okay to prioritize your own happiness and well-being. You owe it to yourself to live a life that aligns with your values and passions. Sometimes, taking a leap of faith and leaving behind the familiar can lead to the most profound personal growth and self-discovery.
In conclusion, leaving my hometown, family, and friends three years ago was a difficult decision, but it was the right one for my personal growth and happiness. I’ve learned so much about myself, rediscovered my purpose, and strengthened my connections with self. My journey is ongoing, and I’m excited to see where it leads me next as I continue to focus on myself and my own path in life.
XO, Moeluvin
