By: Mr. Founder
Since I was 14 years old, I have dreamed of living in New York. I was 23 when I first found out that my dream was actually coming to fruition. I immediately started envisioning myself living the sought-after city life, being surrounded by all the cool shops, asking for a chopped cheese at my local bodega, and everything else I’ve seen in the movies and shows. Today, I can tell you that my visions came true, but at a cost — change.
Change is one of the hardest things in life. It’s uncomfortable, stressful, depressing, and relentlessly on your ass. It'll be your biggest enemy if you don’t learn how to accept it.
Now, before getting into what change looks like for me, aka, Mr. Founder, let me give you some background.
I grew up in Northern Virginia with my parents, two older siblings, and our Great Dane. I spent most of my time with close friends, surrounded by love and support. It’s also where Leche Magazine first began. Despite that strong foundation, I never imagined leaving Virginia to fully experience independence, something that always peaked my interest. But what I didn’t realize was that true independence came with change.
Taking the leap to move my whole life to New York was the most exciting and surreal feeling. But at the same time, I felt conflicted.
I felt my relationships back home dwindling by the second. My mentality was never focused on one thing, and the worst part was that I started becoming cold to those around me. The hustle of an energetic and never-sleeping city was consuming me. I began to feel my life change drastically, and I didn’t like it. I was scared and overwhelmed because I didn’t know how to accept that this new life required a lot of adjustment and patience. I found myself reflecting on how to embrace all the newness while also remembering where I come from.
The day-to-day things that were regularly part of my suburban life were now luxuries in my city life. I no longer had a car to help me commute. I no longer had my mother cooking my favorite meals. I no longer knew how to navigate my way around where I lived. I no longer knew how to work my 9-5 job at my fullest potential. I no longer had my past life. So fuck it, I went ahead and accepted change.
Slowly but surely, I started learning the importance of carving out time to stay in touch with those who truly cared for me. Slowly but surely, I started learning how to commute using the PATH and MTA (a major shoutout to my boy Jorge). Slowly but surely, I started learning to cook (I still order takeout but don’t sleep on the boy). Slowly but surely, I started learning the boroughs of the city. Slowly but surely, I started learning how to make my 9-5 job seamless (some days are still rough). Slowly but surely, I accepted my present life, and let me tell you, it’s been absolutely beautiful.
Accepting change hasn’t been easy at all, but in these last months, it has played the biggest role in my character development. It continues to push me forward into my highest self, and I cannot wait to see where else I will grow.
So, first of all, thank you for letting me be a part of your day. Second, I hope this piece gave you a little insight into who I am and even inspired you to try to accept and embrace change. Trust me, it’s not as scary as it looks.