Independence

Let me preface this by directing you to my twitter account, @MidwestSratStar. If any of you are coming from twitter, you will know that about 2 months ago, I went through a break-up with my boyfriend of 14 months, who I was "talking" to for two years, and who I also lived with. The best way to describe this break-up was, well, heart-breaking. I believed he was the one, and who I was going to spend the rest of my life with. Looking back now, I realize I was being stupid, but that's a story for another day. The reason why I direct you to my twitter is because it shows the journey I went through pre, and post break-up, and might help explain a lot of what I'm saying in this post.

I always used to be so proud of the fact that I was "independent" from my parents, as I didn't live with them, paid for everything on my own, and never leaned on them for emotional support (again, in retrospect, I was very stupid about that as well. Different story for a different day). However, in turn, I had redirected my dependence on my parents to dependence on my boyfriend. Financially, I really was completely independent, minus a few hiccups and bad decision making. Emotionally, however, I was completely reliant on him. Every ounce of my happiness depended on if he was happy, and I truly believed that he was the only person who could make me happy. Needless to say, after we broke up, I was a wreck and SO unhappy. The entire month I still lived in Ohio before moving was a miserable month. I moped, I cried a lot, didn't hang out with any of my friends, and when I did see them, I was so depressing. And then I moved. And then I began to see my life from a different point of view. I came to a life changing realization.

My own happiness was up to me, and me only. 

I could cry and mope and be as depressed as I wanted to, but I would be like that forever until I pulled myself up by my bootstraps and get on with my life. No one else would be able to make that decision for me. My friends and family could try to drag me out of bed, or cheer me up temporarily, but it wouldn't be until I decided I wanted to be happy, that I would be happy.

In DC, I've been trying this new thing, where I just do what I want to do. Obviously I stay within reason, as in making smart decisions (staying away from drugs, not being slutty, waiting until my 21st to drink, etc.) and taking care of my responsibilities, but that doesn't mean I can't have fun still. I'm blessed with an amazing job, which provides me with some awesome friends and people who enjoy me for who I actually am. If they want to hang out, and I'm free, I go! It could be something silly, like this morning I went frisbee golfing with a few of them. It turns out I majorly suck at the sport of frisbee golf, but at the same time, it was a great experience, and we could laugh about our silly mistakes.

Something I've also learned is that it's okay to do things alone. I'm in a town of professionals and a place where it's socially acceptable to sit down at a restaurant, alone, and have a meal. The idea of doing this kinda weirded me out at first, but I warmed up to it, and I've eaten alone several times now. I'm embracing my independence one day at a time, whether it be going to the grocery alone, walking around town by myself, or hanging out with my friends when I want to. I don't have to abide by someone else's rules, or rely on other people for happiness.

This is my Declaration of Independence, and I'm happy.

 

Things I've Learned While Living in DC, Part 1

Alright y'all, so I'm gonna start a series on here entitled "Things I've Learned While Living in DC". Living in the city is SO much different than living in the suburbs, so I figured I'd share my knowledge with you. Here goes part one.

Parallel Parking.

Yes, I learned how to parallel park when I was 15 and had my learners permit. However, in the suburbs, you never have to parallel park. You literally pull into a little parking spot and wall right into Target, or the grocery store, or the bank. So for the past four years that I've had my license, not once have I had to parallel park. Living in DC, pretty much anywhere you want to go means you have to parallel park. Needless to say, I was terrified the first time I was in rush hour traffic and found an open spot, only to realize that I had to parallel park in it. Somehow (and quite awfully, I must add), I managed to park my car, put money in the meter, and walk into a restaurant with some smug satisfaction. You better believe I was looking at everyone with a look that said "yes, I'm a grown up and can parallel park all by myself". Quite a bit of practice later and I now consider myself a professional parallel parker.

I know most of you are probably thinking "This girl seriously couldn't parallel park until she was 20? What an idiot...", but it's something I'm quite proud of.

xoxo,
MWSS

First Post

I couldn't come up with any other clever name for my very first post, so I went with something quite self explanatory. If you are reading this, then hello! I am MidwestSratStar, otherwise known as Sammie. I have chosen to keep my anonymity on twitter, yet reveal it on here, as I don't predict many people will be viewing this blog. A brief introduction, I am a 20 year old sorority girl, who grew up in the lovely town of Dayton, Ohio. However, after my parents decided to move to Washington DC, an awful break-up, and drama with friends, I decided that relocating would also be the best decision for me! I have been living here for about a month now, and am loving this amazing city thus far. My hope is to keep up with this blog to document my struggles and triumphs as I forge my own path on this journey through the busy streets of DC, as well as the difficulties of leaving a life back in the Midwest. Though I do not know where I am headed yet, I do believe you should follow me. I'm quite interesting :)

xoxo,
MWSS