The Trials and Tribulations of Living in a Little Big City

So, I just finished watching J. Cole's Forest Hills Drive Homecoming concert movie on HBO...and it was everything. I loved every part of it. But, a recurring theme was the often constricting mindset of living in a small town. 

Now, I can't say that I live in a town as small as Fayetteville, but sometimes it feels that way. I've been living in Richmond ever since I was 8 years old. I know this town like the back of my hand. I've grown with it. This town is within me. I've a witness to the town's progression. 

Richmond has a million plus people in it. So, it's definitely not a small town by design. But, I believe that it can give you the same type of mentality. 

It's comfortable here. It's almost too comfortable. You can pretty much find a corner of it that could fit any type of individual. If you're looking for a quiet, cushy atmosphere you should probably head over to the suburbs just outside the city. If you're looking for a good time, there's a ridiculously lively night life in the heart of the downtown. There is truly something for everyone here. So, it's dangerously easy to never leave.

But, I don't want to fall into a never-ending cycle of comfort. I want to push myself; I want to chase my dreams. I can see myself falling into a sort of cycle and seemingly never leaving (getting an internship at a newspaper or local T.V. station, and then finding a cushy job at said local T.V. station or newspaper). I know if I did that forever I'd still feel some type of void. I want to stop that before it starts. It's not that I don't love my city and see the opportunity. I've met some lifelong friends here and I have some amazing memories. Richmond is my city. 

I just want more. I want things that the city just can't give me at this very moment. I want to work for a national T.V. channel. Better yet, I want to create my own media empire. I want people to experience my artistic creations all over the world, not just all over the block. I don't want to grasp at only what's at arms reach. 

I'm graduating next year, and I believe it's time to start planning what I'm going to do after I leave out of the lovely comfortable world of college. I have to work, ferociously, towards my goals. If I don't; I'm sure to fall back into a cycle and never get the opportunity to branch out and spread my wings. I have to do it before it's too late. 

My heart will always have a soft spot for Richmond though. But, my heart needs something that this city just can't offer. 

I love you J Cole and thanks for inspiring me.