How often have we wished that we could turn back the hands of time to rewrite history? What if you were given the opportunity to undo a specific situation or circumstance? What would you change, and more so, what advice would you offer to your younger self? There was a time when I truly believed I had all the answers and that understanding life was as simple as knowing right from wrong. One of the most valuable lessons I’ve gained through my many travels is the importance of self-improvement through holding oneself accountable. As a solo traveler, I’ve learned to take full responsibility for my actions, embracing the independence and challenges that come with exploring the world on my own. These experiences have profoundly shaped me.
At just seventeen, I didn’t fully grasp the true meaning of accountability. Now I know it means being responsible for my own happiness, peace, and joy. It wasn't until I took the bold step of moving to New York City that I truly began to understand the depth of accoutability. In high school, we were given graduation packages that included yearbooks, memory books, and other memorabilia designed to remind us of the pride we felt as Cody Comets. Years later, while digging through old boxes, I stumbled upon my memory book. It was buried beneath a box labeled “Time Capsule: Do Not Open Until 2020.” This time capsule was an idea I had gotten from one of the many teen magazines I loved reading during that period of my life.
The box was packed with memories: notes passed between friends, my baby spoon, and a few early 90s accessories I cherished. Among these treasures were movie ticket stubs that tugged a little harder at my heartstrings than I expected. They represented a simpler time, long before streaming services dominated our lives, when everything seemed less complicated. Those stubs reminded me of the pure, unfiltered joy I comfortably basked in before the relentless demands of adulthood siphoned it like an unyielding oil pump extracting every drop. As we grow older, we seem to lose the ability to savor moments that are truly memory-worthy. Thankfully, certain items or songs have the magical ability to transport us back to a specific moment in time.
When I finally opened my memory book, I noticed a page had been dog-eared. My curiosity got the better of me, and I eagerly flipped to see what had been so important back then. The page had a section that asked about our goals for the next five to ten years. One particular entry stood out more than anything else on the page. It read, “Living in New York.” It took nearly eleven years to achieve that goal, but I did it. I packed up my 1999 cerulean blue Chevy Malibu and drove toward Interstate 75 with determination. I left home with a mission, $500 in my pocket, and only what could fit in the trunk of my car. Was I as prepared as someone should be when relocating to another state? Absolutely not. And I’m sure this lack of preparation contributed to many of the struggles I faced in such a vast and bustling city. Yet, despite all of that, I made it work. I turned every challenge into a bridge opportunity. That bridge has helped me bypass many obstacles.
It was during this unique journey that my love for adventure and exploration was ignited even further. I got lost on the subway more times than I could count, collaborated with a sought-after recording studio engineer, and fell head over heels for chicken over rice. Just the thought of extra white sauce with a drizzle of hot sauce brings back a flood of some of my best and worst memories. Although New York City offered constant stimulation and excitement, there was something comforting about retreating to Valley Stream for a bit of peace and quiet after a long, chaotic day. For a while, I thought I could have made my journey easier if I had been better prepared before making such a big move. However, in hindsight, I realize that my lack of readiness opened the door to invaluable lessons that taught me all the necessary skills to make it this far.
There were countless moments when I wanted to give up, tuck my tail, and return to the familiarity of Detroit. But I have always stood firmly by the decisions I make, regardless of the rewards or consequences. I wanted the full Big Apple experience, so I embraced both the sweet and bitter aspects of it. I made the most of my living arrangements, secured a job, and carved out moments for meals whenever the fast-paced hustle of the city allowed me the time. Detroit taught me how to hustle, but New York City refined and perfected my grind. Leaving my comfort zone gave me access to an entirely new level of understanding about the world, which is a gift and privilege many people overlook. New York taught me the true definitions of self-help and what it means to be truly self-made.
Everything in life unfolds as it should, for reasons often unknown to us. The most important takeaway is that I now possess far greater wisdom than I did before leaving my childhood home. I met the people I needed to meet, experienced the things I needed to experience, and felt the energy necessary for my growth and evolution. This evolution has only amplified the determination of the teenage girl within me who always knew the world had so much more to offer than what she could see through the small lens of her immediate environment. She has now explored the vastness of the world by cars, train, and plane. My sole mission now is to complete this journey with a heart free of regrets, for that is the true essence of a life well-lived.
Written by Jonviere Chantique