“Reach out. Take a chance. Get hurt, even. But play as well as you can.”
- Maude
Having lived in the New York City area on the New Jersey side for pretty much the majority of my life, I’ve never ventured into the middle section of the United States. In my travels within America, I’d only fly across the middle section, and visit states on both coasts.
Naturally, an opportunity came up where I would relocate to the Midwest, specifically in Minneapolis, MN. This would be my first time in the region, and I thought, well why not … I should give it a try.
Several reasons first inhibited me from simply jumping at the opportunity:
1.) I love surfing, and I would be far away from the ocean,
2.) There would be a lot less diversity in type of cultures & people, and
3.) The specific type of industry, if I wanted to switch organizations, isn’t predominant in that location.
Nevertheless, I didn’t simply want to make assumptions, so I flew out and relocated to Minnesota.
(Below is series of photos from morning to night from my apartment when I lived in Minneapolis)
Pinks & Blues. Photo courtesy of Hustle to Paradise.
Morning in downtown Minneapolis. Photo courtesy of Hustle to Paradise.
Another day. Photo courtesy of Hustle to Paradise.
Evening Sky. Photo courtesy of Hustle to Paradise.
Moonlit Minneapolis. Photo courtesy of Hustle to Paradise.
Was it the place for me?
Definitely not. I figured it out fairly quickly, within less than 3 months. And I for the most part, didn’t even need to “think about”. My gut feeling told me that it wasn’t for me.
Why wasn’t it for me?
Well, essentially the first three reasons I listed above. Additionally, there is a unique culture in Minnesota, whom many of the locals here have described and explained to me simply, as the: passive-aggressive culture. Overall, I just didn’t fit.
Was the experience a waste of my time?
Of course not. It was an eye-opening time for self-discovery. The months I was in Minnesota, really validated what I both didn’t like, and what I do like. I remember always complaining about the smallest things about where I originally lived out in the East Coast, but then realized how much I really appreciate where I grew up. And this works both ways, for someone else who grew up in the Midwest, may also feel the same way with another different lifestyle outside of the region.
What am I getting at?
Put yourself out there. Travel to locations you think you wouldn’t like, and experience it. Instead of thinking about it, or making assumptions, live the situation. You may end up liking it, or you may not. Who knows?
Again, personally for me, I will never move away from the ocean. Ever again. I love my ocean and surfing too much to ever sacrifice that, even for low cost of living or higher pay.
How do you find where you would fit?
Simple. Travel more. Interact more with the locals. Get to know the community & outdoor surroundings. The more you do that, the more you’ll help define yourself. And the better you’ll be able to find that place you call home.
Have you moved to a place you are dissatisfied with? Where is your “paradise”?
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{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi Harrison,
Having always near the ocean I can relate to your story. I have travelled a fair bit and I do think you get a feeling whether a city or even a country will suit you. Part of the fun when you travel is to immerse yourself in the culture. I also know that I couldn’t live for a long time away from the water.
Susan Oakes recently posted..How To Differentiate Your Business Simply
Cheers to that Susan! Yes, I do still enjoy immersing myself in a place I’ve never been to. But its amazing how quickly our heart & mind tell us a lot about what we like & don’t like in a new location we travel to.
Harrison recently posted..On Being a Transient Wanderer
Interesting way of looking at where to live Harrison. Love the sea and have grown up next to it.
However, a large part of my life I lived in London, UK where the closest thing to the oceas is the river Themes and the Serpentine Lake in Hyde Park. And in Riyahd I lived right smack in the middle of the Arabian peninsula with only the pool to compensate for the sea. Despite that I was really happy in both places.
I’d definitely take living in London even if it wasn’t close to ocean. Lots of things, sites, and culture to partake in. Hope to also visit Saudi Arabia too. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Harrison recently posted..Why I Won’t Move Away From the Ocean (And On Finding Your Fit)
I’m currently living in Istanbul, Turkey right now. Did I think I would live here 5 years ago? Hell no! But I visited and fell in love. Life is strange sometimes
Mike From Maine recently posted..Revenue Update for January 2012
Hi Mike, that’s awesome that you found Istanbul to be your home! That’s why I’m hoping to travel to more places around the world to find that place I’ll call paradise. Cheers!
Harrison recently posted..On Being a Transient Wanderer
Great advice and beautiful photos! It’s important to open yourself to all opportunities and then find your own space. Kudos to you for jumping outside of your box … even if it was just for long enough to miss it!
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