When the going gets tough, the tough go home.
That's what I did last weekend, although going home meant going back to Indiana (which really doesn't count as home, but was close enough).
Frustrated by the state of my career and the state of my social life on the East Coast, the 11 hour drive back to Indianapolis was a welcomed break from breaking my neck for a job.
The sight of campus, the familiar path leading to the off-campus housing, the open arms (and floodlights) waiting for us. It was a confidence boost like no other.
New surroundings are exciting and I love an adventure, but the familiarity of Indianapolis was comforting. I felt like a big fish in a little pond compared to the overwhelming nature of the East Coast.
Spending time with friends and family was just the jump start I needed to refocus on landing a good gig. No more sitting around and pitying myself - my clip book is updated, the Devils blog has reached the 400 hit mark (yay and thank you!), and I've got a renewed confidence in my ability to perform as a journalist.
Not to mention knowing the healing powers of eight of your best friends around the breakfast table, laughing until the tears are from joy rather than absence. I highly recommend Breakfast Club for what ails you.
So as the months keep moving forward, and the East Coast creates new memories and hopefully new opportunities, I'll have this past weekend with loved ones to look back on fondly and remind me of where I come from and what I've already achieved. I've never been so thankful to be in the state of Indiana.
So watch out New Jersey, you don't scare me anymore.
