To leave is to be brave

If you've ever moved away from your hometown — whether for a new job, a fresh start, or just to follow a dream — know this: you are brave. People often think bravery is loud and visible, like standing on a stage or running into danger. But sometimes, it's quiet. Sometimes, it looks like saying goodbye at an airport, holding back tears, and walking toward the unknown with nothing but a suitcase and hope.

I know this because I've lived it. I packed my life into a single bag, hugged my family and friend's goodbye, and left everything familiar behind. I didn't know exactly what was waiting for me on the other side. And yes — there were moments of excitement and adventure. But there were also moments of doubt, loneliness, and homesickness.

What people don't see are the hard days. They see the photos, the new city, the cool experiences. They send you messages: "You're so lucky!" or "I wish I could do that!" But here's the truth: anyone can pack a bag. The real challenge is staying strong when everything is unfamiliar, when no one knows your name, and when your heart quietly misses home.

So next time someone tells you you're lucky, tell them this: "Try it. Pack one bag, say goodbye to everyone you love, and move somewhere you've never been." That's when you'll see what true courage looks like.

Leaving isn't running away — it's choosing growth over comfort. It's learning to build a life from scratch. And that's not just brave — it's extraordinary.