Going "Out There"

The past couple of months I moved back home because of a temporary working position which was more an internship really. I come from a small town, where there are a lot of superficial people. I was sick of seeing the same people I went to school with for the past 8 years again each day at University and I thought to myself: all my friends are doing it so why shouldn't I move out and into another city for university? So I did. With loads of help and encouragement of my friends and family I made up my mind and decided to go out into the world- and I ended up in Berlin. 

Berlin is an awesome city. Very international, multicultural, fascinating and ever changing. Everyday you walk through a city that has already seen so much happening. Sometimes it feels like you can touch the past events and slip right into that time. But mostly you are just allowed to be yourself and do whatever it is you want to do. Coming from this small city, Berlin seemed huge at first but as time goes by I just kind of got used to it that it takes me at least half an hour to get to my desired destination. It's just the way it is. Music is always surrounding me and most of the time I carry a book around in case I miss a train or some bus does not turn up on time (or half an hour late).

Being here in my hometown again for about 5 months now I realised what Berlin and practically moving out did to me. Well did to me is probably a bit harsh... but Berlin and my experiences out "there" made me a person. I know I was a person before- just since I really have a very good relationship with my parents their views and wishes strongly affected me, my personality and the choices I made. Now of course my upbringing is still a part of me of course but I make up my mind about certain topics, about the way I want to spend my days. I don't know if this makes any sense. All I can say is that I am now a confident young women, with her own opinions and believes.

I think in order to know who you want to be and what you want to do with your life it is important to be able to do things on your own, to be independent. And from my experience I can tell you, you get there so much faster if you leave home for a little while, even if it is just for 5 months where you decide to take an internship in another city or do a semester abroad during your studies. But during this time away from your usual surroundings and yes, the usual security of your home, you will learn so much about yourself and about life that you won't regret it. In my case it was not always a simply and easy path, all by myself in a huge city. I had lots of bumps in my road to handle but looking back every obstacle made me stronger. And here I have to quote Kelly Clarkson, because she simply got it straight to the point: "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger". 

I guess what I want to say is: risk a little and put yourself out there!

Cheers,

Mags