One of my favorite writers once wrote, “Leaving New York was easy.” After over a year of that line haunting me, I’m not so sure how easy it is.

When you live in an area for your entire life, in my mind, it’s a special thing. Networking is easier, circles become smaller, relationships feel realer. Family is close by. Friends come and go, but a solid pack remains always. You can do things like instantly get access to events for your writing with one email, or have people recognize you directly from your work. You can begin new endeavors and already have known resources available. There are a lot of perks in my mind.

For me, Albany will always be home. I’ve always been a local enthusiast and excited to be here. In the past year, maybe two years, I’ve had it on my mind to move somewhere new, and that both burdens and blesses me. I’m ready for change, but still, I find myself wickedly afraid of it. To the point where I know what I need to do to change my routine (to be happier) but am still doing the same thing because it’s easier and comfortable. It’s getter closer and closer to me buckling up and doing it, at least temporarily. You can’t walk in circles forever and expect to see some new scenery.

I’ve had opportunities here that I may not have had elsewhere. But what about the opportunities I don’t have here, that I may have elsewhere? That’s going to become the driving force. For me, and where I’m at now, it’s a matter of “how,” not “when.” And I’m going to do it.

Leaving New York could be easy. It really could.