Comments on: Lightening the Scars, Once and For All

By: Eve

Eve — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 04:51:34 +0000

Jamie, I’ve been following your story since you burst onto the scene with twittershouldhireme.com and why you quit that crappy job … this is a totally great thing you’re doing, preparing to live abroad. I’m planning the same thing. Really looking forward to reading about your adventures in Italy!

By: Alicia

Alicia — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 15:09:46 +0000

You know who to call if you need convincing – but it would only be to stay in Italy. =)

By: Erica

Erica — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 04:13:27 +0000

This picture is really stunning.

By: // chasingdreams.net » No more denying, I’m a coward

// chasingdreams.net » No more denying, I’m a coward — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 19:10:25 +0000

[...] can’t I just do it? What am I waiting for? What am I still doing here? Why can’t I, like her, just take the leap into the unknown? Why why [...]

By: Friday Linky Love | Small Hands, Big Ideas

Friday Linky Love | Small Hands, Big Ideas — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 19:05:31 +0000

[...] 2. Intersected Blog, Jamie Varon: Lightening the Scars, Once and For All [...]

By: nicoleantoinette

nicoleantoinette — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 05:15:33 +0000

I won’t convince you to come home, I’ll just come visit you more often.

By: Grace Boyle

Grace Boyle — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 04:16:26 +0000

The most accomplished moments in my life are the ones that at the time were messy, spontaneous, uncertain and unplanned. I think you’re going to find all that in Italy. Let crying be part of it but you’re already embracing the uncertainty which to me shows you’re golden. It’s going to shape and mold you, guaranteed

Plus, Italians are too loving (and beautiful to look at) for you to be frustrated even amongst uncertainty. You will find your very own, la dolce vita.

By: Matt Cheuvront

Matt Cheuvront — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 02:30:38 +0000

I’ll say this. I don’t think you NEED to venture out to venture in. Changing your surroundings isn’t necessary in discovering who you are (I’ve had this conversation with many people). But on the same token, a change of scenery can provide us with new found inspiration and perspective. There’s no doubt in my mind that you’ll come back to our neck of the woods so very wise and ready to take on the world!

By: Susan Pogorzelski

Susan Pogorzelski — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 00:20:45 +0000

Jamie:

When I went to France back in November for a month, I was completely on my own. I was scared out of my mind, a bit lost inside of myself, using the writing retreat as an excuse to find myself again. But I pushed forward because it was something I wanted, something I needed. Little did I know that I would find that and so much more; little did I know that I would be challenged and tested every step of the way.

When I left my family, I cried. When I said goodbye to my dog, I bawled. When I missed my connecting flight and my train, I cried. And when I finally got to where I was going, I sighed in relief. And then cried in relief.

When I returned, I returned a changed person. I’ve never been more grateful for an experience. I say all of this because travel changes you in a way that is so different from anything else. You learn self-reliance. You learn flexibility. You learn to trust in yourself, listen to your intuition, you learn independence. You learn what you’re capable of, the stuff that you’re made of.

I have no doubt that you are going to have the time of your life in Italy — it will be peppered with homesickness, to be sure, but a little gelato should sweeten that deal Just remember the reason why you’re going, just keep in mind the experiences you’ll have, just remember that this is what life is all about.

You’re going to soar, Jamie. Get those wings ready.

And, you know, if you want to take me with you, I fit nicely in a carry-on

By: Ashley

Ashley — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 00:13:01 +0000

I say, fall then, in the name of progress. And do take advantage of every minuscule thing while you’re there. Even six months to year can go by quickly if you’re not paying attention.