Embracing Change
You’d think with all the Covid upheaval that embracing change would come a little easier. Maybe it has for some, but not for me. Even knowing that the change will be positive doesn’t help. I am a creature of habit. I order the same meal at my favorite restaurant every time I dine there. I’ve eaten the same breakfast for at least 10 years straight. If I like a song I listen to it on repeat for days on end. Whatever it is, if I like it, I like the crap out of it intensely and often.
Leaving Vermont was difficult despite having done it twice before. I left in my mid 20’s and followed a boy to NYC for several years. When I had had enough - of NYC and the boy - Vermont welcomed me home with open arms. I met my now husband at work, got married and once again left Vermont - this time moving to Atlanta. We were finding our place there, but after I learned I was pregnant I felt a strong pull to return home to the mountains and raise our son. In that time I was a stay at home mom, went back to work, left work, started a graduate program, left that program and started Firstborn Jewelry. Eight years later and here I am - a full-time mom and jeweler back in Atlanta. Emotional maturity plus physical distance has softened my feelings towards this area of the country. Sure, I miss the liberal safe haven of Vermont, but I’d also argue that Atlanta needs more voters like me. At least thats what I tell myself.
Truthfully, Burlington was starting to feel a little too small for my liking. My life there had started to resemble a relationship that you’re too comfortable in. You know you’ve outgrown it, but you’re scared of leaving that comfort so you stay and can’t really tell if you’re content or just settling. This is in no way a dig at small towns. I love small towns - especially Burlington. I hope to live in one again someday. But for right now I need the freedom of anonymity. I need to shake it all up a bit and try to gain a new perspective on my life and my art. What can I become without the limitations I put on myself? I’m hopefully about to find out.
xx Shana
