The Authentic Eclectic
Stop Settling in Comfortable Places That Negatively Impact Your Mental Health
A note to self, and anyone else who needs to hear it
Every time I leave my hometown, be it for an extended holiday or a short break, I wonder why I never left permanently.
I know the answer— My family and friends are all there, but it’s mostly anxiety and fear of leaving my comfort zone.
I’ve always defended the place I grew up, the place I still call home. It’s not a tiny place. The population classifies us technically as a city, but it’s a small-town vibe; there’s no denying that. Everyone knows everyone, or if they don’t know you, they know your parents, grandparents etc.
There’s very little by way of opportunity. And there’s even less to do for fun. But I’ve constantly peddled the same spiel whenever someone asks what makes me stay— “Well, there might not be a lot here. But it’s close enough to get to wherever you want to go and back in a day.”
That was a factual statement, too. Pre-lockdown.
In 30 years, I’d never experienced what it was like not to be able to go anywhere but my town. Then Covid happened, and suddenly, all the shortcomings and ‘lack ofs’ that people had been pointing…
