Have you ever wondered what it is like to live in the city?
On my 20th birthday, I decided to move to Miami to complete an internship and finish college. I have been here now for two years. To some, the city life may sound like a dream. The ideal college experience. Talking to my friends outside of Miami makes them think that Miami is an adventure or excitement every day. It lets you experience the beach, yacht rides to watch the sunset, the sunny weather, and it is the ultimate spring break destination. In reality, it has been the most luxurious place I have lived but also my least favorite. I am glad that I got to experience living in the city at a young age, however, I do not think it is meant for my suburb Georgia roots.
Even though a lot of people glamorize Miami and there are many job opportunities here, I decided that I want to leave and live in a small town again. I was BRIEFLY tempted to stay here after graduating since it is the glamorous luxurious Miami, but I decided to choose my sanity instead.
I decided that it was most important for me to be around my previous community and take it back to where it all started. The job opportunities may not look the same, the beach trips may not be accessible, and I may not be surrounded by luxury anymore, but I am looking forward to getting back to the simple life outside of the city. I am not a city girl, just a girl living in the city.
Just because you may want to leave where you are living does not mean that you can not enjoy the small things in the current. Miami is a place where I have learned a lot. I have never interacted with so many people who are so determined. I had never met billionaires until I moved to Miami. I was indeed inspired to grow my career which I am so thankful for but I miss the small towns and I think that is okay. When I lived in a smaller town, I did not realize how much comfort I had found living in a city where everyone pretty much knew each other. It was like a big family and it was sweet to watch my peers grow up from childhood into our 20s. Some people dislike the small-town vibes but I have come to appreciate it now that I have moved to the city.
One thing I also learned from moving from a small town to a city is the difference in culture. I genuinely miss Southern hospitality. I miss the normalcy of conversing with strangers. Here in Miami, most strangers that I have tried to converse with will most likely ignore me or reject my kindness. It is kind of funny but valid because they just are not used to that Southern hospitality.
Either way, this all goes to say that I miss the quiet slow life outside of the city. I do not plan on staying here just because most people find it “cool” or the place for status. Who knows, maybe one day I will begin to miss Miami and everything that I have learned here. However, for now,
I have decided that I truly want to enjoy where I am living and enjoy my life to the fullest again. I do not choose to stay in Miami anymore but to go back to my small-town life. There is a lot of risk in leaving after building a community here, but it will be a change again that I am willing to try. I want to prioritize my well-being and return to a place that feels more like home.
