Perspective...

So today I was driving past the interstate like I do every day. It happens to run right in front of our house and that's a new thing for me. When I was a kid, I thought the interstate was only for going on vacations. Not for every day use. My parents have always lived in a smaller town and getting to an interstate took at least 45 minutes, so I wasn't formally introduced to interstates as a daily friend. However, now Ben and I live in here and it's so much bigger. it's a huge city and I use the interstate almost every day. It's amazing how your concept of one little thing can completely change.

I love the idea of small towns, but honestly, I'm loving living here as well. I love having so many options for dinner, and 4 different targets to choose from in case one doesn't have that cute new dress in my size. I feel sorry for so many people I grew up with because they are still living in the small town where they grew up. Which is fine if you're perfectly happy there; but how often are these people there because they simply have no aspirations for thriving elsewhere? so many are simply scared I feel, but if you were brave enough to expand your horizons, you'd be amazed how your mind would stretch with experience and perspective. Being in a new place has taught me about life and so much about myself, which is a lesson I wouldn't trade for anything. Why would anyone want to rob themselves of that?

Likewise, another lesson learned is about friends; when I was younger if I drifted from my current "best friend" I would get so upset. And my mom would say few friends are in your life forever, some for now to get you through something, and many just for a short time because of life parallels. Of course by now, I've more sincerely learned the meaning of a best friend; but I look back and I realize how right she was. I understand that there have been people in my life who have just been there for a time. We were in the same class, at the same church, or in the same sport; some have gotten me thru a rough time or even shared a joyous experience in my life; and then there are those who have been with me a long time now, and will be forever. It's a hard pill to swallow, knowing that when you love all the people around you the way you do. looking back now, I see that clearly, but I couldn't have told my 13 year old self that. I would have strongly protested for sure. ; )

Perspective can mean everything. They say hindsight is 20/20; truer words were never spoken. At the end of the day, I just hope I'm the girl who can say she considered all her options and came at it from all sides so as not to miss what's around that hidden corner...