“If you want to fly, you have to give up what weighs you down.”
– Toni Morrison
This fall, I’m learning that welcoming new things means letting a few old things go.
I feel myself stepping into a chapter where I finally get to soar into the bright light of fulfillment and make things happen for myself. And to do that, here’s what I’m releasing this season.
Half-Planted Roots
I haven’t felt true permanence since I lost my childhood home at 22. I had steady home bases for my last few years in Pennsylvania, but neither of them felt like home. (In case you’re new here, living there wasn’t for me.)
September 1st started the newest chapter of my life here in Salem, MA. I’m living in an old, history-rich city. I’m surrounded by fellow creative weirdos, three different goth nights walking distance, and beautiful architecture. It’s nice looking and walking around just knowing I belong.
Salem, I have no plans of leaving you any time soon.
Being a (Complete) Hermit
Getting around on Rhode Island’s public transportation wasn’t necessarily convenient; that means I stayed in my apartment a lot. The amount of girl math I had to do to plan out a day trip was so tiresome I wouldn’t even bother.
When I did leave for a goth night, it’d be a bus into Providence and then a $45.00 Uber home. Never saw my Rhode Island friends much, either, since Rhode Islanders don’t love driving.
I don’t know anyone here, but bus access and walkability vastly improved with this move. Now I’ll be able to enjoy a walk to Palmer Cove Park, Downtown Salem, Pickering Wharf, and more alone. Exciting!
Self-Consciousness
With more opportunities to go out comes facing my recent self-consciousness head-on. Going out for walks, especially on days out, opens up chances to dress myself up. Rather than constantly eyeball my tussled homebody self 24/7, I can doll myself up and see myself cleaned up and fashionable.
Expecting myself to do it every day is unreasonable when I don’t leave my pajamas at all anymore. However, even doing so once a week to start rushes a blend of excitement and anxiety through my nerves. We’ll see how it goes…
What are you releasing before winter? I’d love to read your thoughts below.
Ans if you’re interested in diving deeper into my mind and experiences, I do have a Patreon full of behind-the-scenes content, exclusive reflective essays, and more that won’t wash ashore here.
Let’s Discuss!