In the last couple of years I've tried priding myself on being an open-minded accepting human being. I think I'm doing a fairly decent job along the way; however, I think the thing I'm being least honest about is who I am. I have spent so much time running away from the small town, close-minded world I came from and mocking the stereotypes of the South that I've neglected some of the things I've always loved most in life.
I've been so distracted exploring the world, new cities and new faces and finding new hobbies, music and making lifestyle changes that I've often neglected the hobbies, music and lifestyles that were once all I knew.
The idea began when I realized I'm going home to Louisiana in less than two weeks, only to jump back on a plane to flee the country for a whole year. For my entire stay in New York City I haven't missed home. Not a bit. Have I missed my family and friends? Of course, occasionally, anyway (no offense, guys!)
Truth is, I love Louisiana... The saying, "you never know what you've got until it's gone," can apply to most any situation. I love Louisiana! As much as I dislike certain things about my home state, there are things I love there - stereotypes included. I belong in an open field with freshly cut grass blowing in the wind around me. I love cut off blue jeans and worm dirt on my hands while throwing a rod with my old man. I love that I can go for a jog in my neighborhood with my dog trotting along side me without being on a leash. I love that everyone waves and knowing someone is irrelevant. I love the mushy mud in my toes when I'm wading into a lake. I love a cold beer around a bonfire on a night that's hot or cold. I love beer from a Dixie cup when I'm getting my ass beat in a game of beer pong. I'm most comfortable in a sundress and cowboy boots. I love the fact that I can walk around barefoot in my yard and not worry about catching sepsis or some other disgusting disease lurking on the filthy streets. And yes, I love big trucks and country music.
What I'm saying is it's okay to love all of these things but at the same time love going on a wine tasting around New York City, dressing like a hipster to fit in when you need to and spending $15 on a sandwich. It's okay to want a Louis Vuitton or Michael Kors bag that you wouldn't dare spend a dime on in reality. I'm still a southern girl. I still have my accent, and for the most part my charm. However, I've learned when to shrug people off, when to be short and when to walk quickly. Just because I'm not from here, doesn't mean I'll let you tread on me.
It's great that I listen to hip-hop and enjoy it, but I'll still tap my foot with the best of 'em to the best of Waylon Jennings and Merle Haggard. I don't have to be a redneck to enjoy real country music, and I don't have to be a city slicker to know every word to the Billboard's top 100.
It's OK to be different. You can make friends and get by in life by staying true to yourself and that's what matters most at the end of the day. I never want to forget that one of my favorite songs was written and released in 1980, or that my favorite musician is Elvis Presley.
My motto in the last year has been to embrace life. Take every chance you can. Leap! Now, I want to remind myself, as I leap not to leave the old Amie behind. Shred the bad parts of yourself, but always hold onto your innocence and all of the things that set you aside from the rest of the world.
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