When I decided to move to Guam on very short notice for my boyfriend of a year, everyone in my life had mixed feelings about it. Most everyone was skeptical to some degree, including myself. When the supposed man of my dreams dumped me out of the blue two months ago and I decided to stay the responses were even more confused...
Here's how I feel. I can't live my life in a safe little bubble of everyone else's expectations and beliefs of what is acceptable. I can't ignore the fact that the most impulsive and risky decision of my life has led to me being financially and geographically independent for the first time in my life. I have my own apartment, and I pay my bills. Even beyond that, I am able to provide things for those I love that I never could have afforded to do 6 months ago.
I have been yearning to escape Ohio and the life defined for me by being there for so, so long. An opportunity presented itself, I took it, and I am incredibly grateful that I did so. Not everything in my life is perfect, but living on a beautiful tropical island certainly makes everything seem more worthwhile to me. People will try to fuck with you no matter where you go. It's a part of life, and how you respond to those kind of people defines your character and happiness.
I don't know when I'll be back in Ohio. Definitely not for any significant length of time. I get asked all the time when I will be back "home." Ohio has not been home to me since the moment I first stepped foot on this island on December 2, 2010. Home is wherever I feel alive, and at this time that place is Guam. All that anyone needs to know right now is that I love my life here, and I am doing more than surviving, I am living.
Good for you. Life your life by your own terms and don't let anyone else define or limit you. From your writings, I can tell that you are a strong and independently minded and from your images, I can see you are quite lovely. That's a great combination. I'm sure you can do anything you set your mind to do and you can make your own way wherever life takes you. I'd give you one word of caution though. No one person is an island. Maintain your independence, but don't forget there are people in and around your life that can and are willing to help.
ReplyDeleteI say congratulations are in order even though they may be bittersweet. If moving halfway around the world was the mechanism for accomplishing that then I think it was a gutsy move well played.
ReplyDeleteI had to leave Ohio myself to begin the largest and still ongoing odyssey of my life, and I wish yours all the best in the world.
Thank you! And congratulations on your own catalyst. I don't intend to bash Ohio, but for many who have lived their entire lives there it can be artistically, financially, and emotionally stifling. Here's to new journeys :)
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