Goodbye Lynchburg, VA

In case the symbolism isn't obvious, I'm the tiger, and Lynchburg is the tree. I'm very strong, masculine, and affectionate, while Lynchburg is...tall...and...barky...ok this analogy sucks but you get the point. I'm moving back to Connecticut after spending three awesome years in Lynchburg and it's all hitting me. I've established a new life, new friends, and new opportunities here in Lynchburg and as much as I am 100% confident moving back to Connecticut is the right choice, it still sucks. I've made some amazing friends and met some of the most incredible people here, and I'll never forget that.

The hardest part about this move, though, isn't looking back on what I accomplished. It's looking back on what I didn't. I'm leaving my "Lynchburg Life" with so many regrets, and the closer I get to leaving the more I wish I had done more while I was here. For example:

• I regret being surrounded by wiser, stronger, more mature men and not taking the time to learn more from them
• I regret not investing more in other people 
• I regret sleeping in
• I regret nearly all the time I spent on my couch
• I regret all the money I spent on Starbucks for myself and not for getting to know others
• I regret not taking more chances
• I regret "going with the flow"
• I regret not mentoring, even though I knew I should have
• I regret not serving more
• I regret avoiding difficult people who probably really needed me

I could go on, but you get the point. I did some awesome things while I was here, played great music, got involved at an amazing church, and met some amazing people, no doubt, but I'm leaving with the overwhelming feeling that I didn't do enough. Not even close. I'm almost embarrassed at how little I did.

I think we're all pretty sick of the "#YOLO" thing. Every time I hear it I want to choke a puppy, and we all know I love puppies, so that's pretty serious. But it is so true. You only live once. I'm seeing it so clearly now. I'm so upset I didn't do more over the past three years, and this is just a small glimpse of how I could end up viewing my entire life if I don't change things now. I don't want to be on my death bed, looking back on the years I lived, wishing I did more. I can't let that happen, and I know you can't either.

Deep down inside, we all know we're worth more, we should be doing more, and should be becoming more than what we are now. So as someone making a big step and moving back home, with a very real perspective of how little I've done for the world, humanity, my community, and my God, let me be the one to cut the crap and tell you: Go do something that matters. Go be someone who matters.

Time to make moves, kids.

 Is this cloud a rabbit? Or is this rabbit a cloud? I don't even know, man, but I like his swag.