Sunday, June 8, 2014

NYC: Homesickness Tips and Solutions

Well, it happened.

I finally had that moment where I was like, "Where's my mom!?" "How come I can't drive 20 minutes to see my best friend?" or "Well, I have a few free hours, why can't I just go hang out with my boyfriend?"

You guessed it people. In the city that never sleeps, with rows and rows of stores to shop, places to eat, and sites to see... I, Jonna Marie Hyatt, as of last night, experienced a "homesick moment."

I knew that it would happen sometime, as I have so many people back home that I love and miss, but I didn't anticipate it happening so soon.

So, like any other girl, I took to what is called the "Super Saddness Solution" plan.

Say you're not in my situation, that you're just away for a weekend, week, or maybe a few weeks. Homesickness can strike no matter what the time frame, so don't feel ashamed if you miss your momma while you're at a convention, camp, an internship, or whatever else you can be away from home for.

And for those of you who don't know what an "SSS" plan is, I'll explain. :)

The list for a successful "SSS" is as follows:

- A Netflix account:
            You cannot have a proper "SSS" without a Netflix account. Okay, maybe that's a lie, but it
            certainly helps if you're wanting to binge watch television shows such as Gossip Girl or One
            Tree Hill (hint: these are two of my top recommendations, but right now I'm on season #3 of
            Dawson's Creek). If you don't have a Netflix account, no worries, just pick out your favorite
            chick-flick or whatever you can to make you laugh for a few hours.

- A pint of your favorite ice-cream (regular, or if you're like me, dairy-free):
           For me, this is the best part. Sure, you'll probably feel guilty afterwards, but the sugary
           sweetness of this treat and your favorite Netflix show/movie will make you feel better more
           than you think.

- A book that takes you away from reality:
          This one is my favorite parts, as I can usually go through a book in one day.  If you haven't
          read it yet, I recommend "A Fault in our Stars." And hey, the movie is out, so get some of your
          new friends together and go see it!

- A good work-out (yes, I'm serious):
         STOP! Don't scroll pass this one. I hate (okay, maybe not HATE) working out, but afterwards I
         always feel so healthy, like as if I can conquer the world.  So if you're dealing with
         homesickness, this can easily change your mood! Just find a routine that works for you, and in
         30 minutes you'll feel fabulous!

- Talk to the people you're missing (via technology, unfortunately, but you'll feel better):
         This probably seems like it would be the last thing you would want to do, since these people are
         the main reason why you're sad in the first place. But in reality, it helps to talk through it with
         these people. They are the ones that truly care for you, and do want to know when you're upset.
         This reminder will comfort you, especially knowing that even miles apart, they aren't going
         anywhere!

- Color coordinate your closet:
        This one is pretty much self-explanatory. If you're an analytical thinker, this one is the one for
        you.  A home-project will make you feel more at home, or it will just bring out your OCD skills
        and give you a much more organized closet.

- Remember (if you're in a case like me), that it is only for the summer:
        This reminder will grow to be ineffective after while, but the more you keep saying it, the closer
        it will be to the end! BUT... don't just count-down the days, ENJOY your experience. Sure, have
        a few moments here and there, that's okay... but get right back up, go out, and meet some more
        people! Because hey, you're going to be back home eventually, but it's good to meet people from
        all different parts of the world!

- And lastly, cry:
       Okay, okay... I know that this is a little bit dramatic, but you're just going to have to trust me on
       this.  It really does help, because when you're trying to stay strong all the time by holding back
       your tears, you're actually setting yourself up for really, really bad breakdown.  So take a
       moment, chill out, and shed a tear or two.  The pressure will start to alleviate, and you'll feel
       at peace.

Let me just make this clear: I'm fine. Perfectly fine! I had my moment (and I'm sure it won't be my last), but I know how lucky I am to have this opportunity, and I love this city and the people I've met so much!

I'm human. I miss my family, friends, boyfriend, and I guess I would miss an animal if I had one, but that doesn't mean I'm not happy. Homesickness is not a feeling that is targeted at unhappy people.  Happy people get down and out too, we all do.

Just remember: don't hold back on where you think you should be just because you're afraid of what you're leaving behind.  Because trust me, if they're worth it, they're always with you and will always be there for you.

Follow your dreams, even if it takes you 1,000+ miles away. And if you get sad, just try out the "SSS" plan... I promise you, you'll be glad you did.

Much love :)




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