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Columbia, TN

​Growing up watching older movies I was always jealous of the small, cute, adorable, little towns the characters got to live in. All of which were (of course) full of LOTS of dark secrets and drama. I knew it was a little unrealistic but I’ve always had this perfect picture in my head of what my dream town would look like. It wasn’t until recently that I realized I have something better. I have a REAL nearby small town, Columbia, Tennessee. Without a doubt downtown Columbia is one of my favorite places in the world. Unfortunately most people that live in the surrounding cities don’t come to Columbia because of the bad reputation it’s gotten over the years. Hopefully this will help those people change thier minds.

This hidden gem has accumulated an amazing variety of people. From a local coffee roaster, to a brewery, to a new and used bookstore we’ve got it all. Oh! and the amazing people! There’ are entrepreneurs, singers, song writers, authors, and more. I only just recently started working on the square, so I am still a bit of an outsider but I still feel lucky to have the chance to become a part of this growing community. For now, I’m just a spectator.

Muletown Roasted Coffee is at the top of my list of things you need to go to if you come and visit. The coffee is amazing. I’m actually sitting in muletown right now. I don’t even go here because of the coffee anymore, but for the environment, the music, and the people. But I also love the coffee. The people that walk in and out of their doors are the people that help mold Columbia to the sort of place it is today. It’s my favorite place to write. Occasionaly I get distracted, but it’s totally worth it and I hope it never changes.

Another favorite of mine that you must visit is Duck River Books. When you walk in the first thing to catch your eye will most likely be the front desk. Not just because of the nice employee welcoming you in but also because the desk is made up completely of old books. It even has a little sign politley asking you not to remove any since doing so would probably end in disaster. The childrens books are all in this little gazibo with a roof made of christmas lights. That is probably my favrite part of this little shop. If you continue to the back you’ll find some small couches next to my favorite section, murder mysteries. A little further back you’ll see the small spiral staircase that leads up to the young adult section filled with comic books, action novels, and some classics. No matter how hard I try if I walk in that store I’m sure to walk out with one or two books.

If coffee or books don’t interest you i’m sure something on the square will catch your eye. My personal favorite place to eat in Columbia is called The Dotted Lime. Its only about a five minute drive from the square. Because of all my allergies (I will talkmore about that in another blog) it can be difficult for me to go out to eat. This restaurant however is entirely gluten free, peanut free, and tree nut free. They have vegan, vegitarian, and carnivorous options; all of which are amazing. Unfortunantly they are only open for breakfast and lunch. Hopefully they will eventually be open for dinner as well. As is normal for most of Columbia the emplyees and owners are all nice. This place however, is owned by a large homeschool family and that makes it even better. Even if you don’t have any allergies I still highly suggest you check them out.

Once a year Columbia has a week long festival called Mule Day. Yes, I am fully aware that it is called Mule Day and lasts a whole week. All I can say is that I have asked several Columbia inhabitants and nobody has been able to explain why it’s like that. If you happen to know why or have an idea of why its named that please feel free to comment below! The reason that we have a whole week celebrating mules is because Columbia is the mule capital of the world. A long time ago people used to come here from all over just to buy, sell, and trade mules. Because of that we have several events and businesses with mule in the name, as well as put stickers on our cars that have the sillouet of a mule head. With all its wierd quirks and cool history, Columbia is for sure a place you need to visit if you haven’t already. It’s a nearby small town feel.

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College

“It’s 2017! I can do and be what I want!” 

Because of all the new ideas and changes the world is going through and excepting right now this phrase has become its own answer to arguments that people have about what is and isn’t thought of as acceptable. While the statement may sound a little ridiculous, it’s true. Whether or not I agree with it the fact is we now have same sex marriage, grown adults aren’t expected to know what they want to do with their life or even have a job, our president posts tweets, and children have social media as well as YouTube accounts. There are also some more favorable things that are normal now. One of those being people’s view on college.

Finally people are realizing that college isn’t a requirement for adulthood. It has always been a thing that was expected of everyone. Everyone was expected to follow the same path. You graduate high school, go to college, graduate college, get an amazing job since you have a magical degree, then spend possibly the rest of your life paying off your student loans. I mean that’s the dream right? There isn’t any other way to become a successful adult right? While extra schooling after high school  might be important for some fields, such as doctors (I myself wouldn’t want one without a degree), it’s not for everyone and is not a necessity.

I’ve personally never had the urge or a reason to follow the path most traveled. Because of that choice I’ve had to sit through numerous “conversations” with older adults that mostly consisted of them telling me how important college is, about their college experience, and how I won’t be able to get a job without a degree. Even though a lot of people never end up even using their degree and spend years paying for it because of all the debt they Collected from it. I don’t know about you but that does not sound very desirable to me.

The truth is that collage is not necessary and not for everyone. It’s not something that you HAVE to do. There are so many ways to earn money you don’t need a degree for. A lot of people are entrepreneurs in this day and age and while it may sound a little intimidating, there are so many resources out there that show you simple step by step processes to become a successful entrepreneur. YouTube is another example. So many YouTubers make videos as their job and have been able to make lots of money from that, without a degree or if they do have one it’s usually not even related to creating videos. I myself make and sell jewelry, bows, and sewn products. I am also trying to start blogging (obviously). You just need to find what works best for you. Don’t worry about following the path most traveled. Who knows, you might end up setting a new tend! Just don’t forget; College is not for everyone.

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You Must Become Your Own Best Friend

I’ve noticed that most of the human species are scared to be alone.

Even the ones that publicly say they don’t mind being by themselves You’ll notice aren’t always overjoyed with the idea of spending their birthday by themselves.

I’m sure that several people have made speeches, books, and poems about this, but it’s true. You must become your own best friend.

When you go through life there is always a possibility that you could loose everyone that you know and love. I know it sounds harsh but it’s true.

If you get married Your “other half” is of course important and you plan on being together till the end of your days, but that person cannot define you or tear you apart if you loose them. I must confess that I used to feel like people might think it strange if they saw me shopping, eating, or even taking a walk in the park alone, and they probably do, but who cares?

Why has it become where your only popular if your always hanging out with groups of friends and going to parties?

That person gets defined as the “popular one” or “the cool kid” but if you take those people away who are they then? I do not have anything against parties or having fun with family and friends but you should never let it get to where you only rely on them. what am I suggesting?

I suggest you take at least one day a month and spend the whole day with yourself.

I’m not saying you become a hermit or anything. I’m saying you should go do stuff YOU love. go see a movie! I’ve actually found it pretty fun to go to the theater by myself.

Have you ever gone shopping by yourself? Running errands doesn’t count. Go shopping when you don’t even need anything. OK I know this all might sound a bit lonely or strange but, Have you ever Played loud music alone in your car? singing loudly because there’s  nobody there to here your cracking voice or to see the funny faces you make when you sing? By the way if you have never done that I highly suggest you try it sometime (even you guys that are actually able to sound good when you sing) but for those you have, wasn’t that fun? Didn’t it feel like that just washed away the stress and worries of the day or prepare you for the upcoming stress of the day? Didn’t that feel amazing?

That right there is just a step towards Becoming your own best friend.