There are points in our lives where we are places we don’t want to be, whether that is physically or mentally. Like anything, you have options: (a) Stay where you are (b) Get the fuck out. Thinking about where you want to be, won’t change where you are. Either you have to find a way to deal or get the fuck out.

When I was a teen, the way I got out of my town was through an education. I worked my ass off every night. I studied for every damn assignment. Hell, I gave myself pain attacks some nights.  I heavily followed straight-edge culture to stay focus and disciplined. While I was a screw up in other ways, I never let my grades slip. What I did was work hard.  I graduated high school with top honours and a scholarship which allowed me to go to university in Toronto – where I wanted to be all this time.

That’s what you have to do to get out. Work hard and stay focus. If you work hard, the opportunities will arise for you to get out. If you aren’t where you want to be, then find a way to get where you want to go. It’s not going to be easy and it will take a hell of a lot of patience. It took years for me to get where I wanted to go. It won’t happen overnight. It won’t happen over a few weeks. It will take perseverance.   

But chances are it will be worth it.

It’s funny. This summer I’m back in my small town and I’m not where I want to be. And this time, it’s not about getting out because I already am out. I’m just here for the summer months. No, it’s not about working hard this time; it is about patience. Sometimes where you want to be isn’t about getting out – it’s about waiting. Whether that is waiting for the opportunity for change or waiting until the time is right. And really sometimes that’s the hardest thing to do, is just wait.

For all those who aren’t where they want to be, keep your head up. Stay focus, work hard, and most of all be patient. You will get to where you want to be.