As a young teen, I never really thought about life outside of Long Island. I mean, did it really exist? In my opinion, New York City was the epicenter of the world! And I lived a 40-minute train ride from NYC! I was proud of my hometown (the same place Mariah Carey grew up) and enjoyed the fact that I could experience the city and the beaches that surrounded my town on Long Island.

There was no way any other place could be better! I remember a family trip to Florida when I was in 11th grade. My sisters and I met two boys from Ohio. I remember thinking, “where the heck is Ohio?” And FYI, I was smart, just an arrogant teen from N.Y. I also remember thinking that these boys probably lived in a house surrounded only by grass; no highways, malls, beaches, etc. They were nice boys, but I definitely could not comprehend what the heck it would be like to live in a random state like Ohio.

Fast forward many years…

I am now moving out of the state of Ohio. I have lived in Northeast, Ohio, for over 20 years – more time than I lived in New York! My final week here has been full of tears and the most intensive mindfulness I have ever experienced. I don’t want to forget anything about this place! Life is “easy” in Ohio; traffic does not exist (at least what I call traffic), there are no fences in yards (because, why do you need a fence?), and we have the Cuyahoga Valley National Park (move over Yellowstone!). And it spans from Cleveland all the way down to Akron!

There is just no place in the U.S. where you can pass an Amish buggy on a country road, stop at the urban West Side Market for some pierogis and fresh sausage, then head to Lake Erie for a quick boat ride, before heading out for a hike or bike to a waterfall or ravine in Cuyahoga Valley!  All in one day! There is city life and country life, lake life, skiing, sports teams, fun urban neighborhoods & restaurants/bars (for the foodie), and the best intimate concert venues around!

And that young teen from Long Island…

I can picture a young girl from New York reading this and rolling her eyes as I did. Yes, New York has it all, and it’s more grandiose, but Ohio makes it so much more accessible. Typically, there is no stress getting from one place to another, and many events are financially feasible. Because of that, people are genuinely a little less anxious, a little less in a rush, and thankful for these experiences (aka “midwestern”). I think Ohio had an impact on my growth (just like my faith, family, friends, and career)!

There is such a thing as Divine Intervention…

I am going to miss Ohio, but I have experienced my fair share of challenges here, especially these last 4 years. These last 4 years have been the toughest of my life, and for many of my closest family members and friends. I’ve been hurt, and I have watched people so close to me hurt; in ways that simply break my heart. But, being in my little “Ohio” world has been, in some ways, my security blanket (and the only real “constant” in my life). Today, I dare to leave and succeed because of the past challenges I have overcome and the challenges I watched my family and friends overcome.

I leave with fond memories and some uneasiness as we start a life in a busy city like Atlanta. In my short visits to Atlanta, I have found the weather, culture, diversity, and the proximity to the lakes/mountains and southern towns awesomely appealing! Those are the new experiences I so much welcome! 

“I suppose it’s one thing to run away, but it’s another be pulled down the road by what feels like the hand of fate.”

–Andrew McMahon (one of my most favorite singers, piano players, entertainers, etc.)