A positive change I made in my life is moving to Raleigh, NC. I grew up NYC and spent the majority of my life living there. Living in NYC, I was used to the fast paced, diverse, crowded subways, and no sleep city of lights. I loved that there was always something to do, and that my family and friends lived there. But the older I got, I began to want to get away from NYC and find what’s best for me. After a couple of years of being with my boyfriend, we decided to make the big move from NYC to Raleigh. It’s one of the best decisions I’ve made.

Although moving was a big adjustment for me because I no longer had my family and friends nearby, I found the peace I was looking for. Where I live now is completely different than where I lived in Brooklyn and life altogether is different. Where I live now is quiet, clean, slow paced, and not much traffic. Even though it’s a big change, I love it.

I truly believe it’s the change I need. Living in NYC, I traveled often, mainly because I love learning about new cultures and exploring new places. But I realize now that I also wanted to get away from life in NYC. I didn’t realize that, until I left the USA for the first time since moving to Raleigh. Even though I was extremely excited about traveling, I also kept thinking about how happy I am about going back home to Raleigh. I didn’t feel that way in the past. In the past usually felt like I was running from something… and that something is NYC.

I’m not saying I hate NYC. It’s a great place, but it’s just not my place, and that’s okay. I found my place, my peace, and I still go back to NYC to visit my family and friends.