I learned about Manifest Destiny in the 9th grade from my history teacher Ms. Bahan. The phrase Manifest Destiny grabbed my imagination and sent me into a fantastic daydream about the pioneer days and you know... manifesting destinies. I was terribly disappointed when I learned that it was an alleged prearrangement, appointed by God, to expand and colonize and enslave and fight and trample over anyone who got in the way. I mean... that's just some horseshit right there.
But to this day, when I'm on the highway driving through small towns with big fields and huge horizons, peppered with small farmhouses and happy cows I can't help but whisper "Manifest Destiny" to myself. More recently, while feeling especially inspired by the view from the road, I even said the words out loud. Jeremy replied "I don't think that means what you think it does." But the political ideology behind that phrase isn't nearly as strong as the daydream I had attached to it in that 9th grade history class.
But I do believe the universe gives us the right to manifest our destinies. We get to choose the life we live – the story we tell.
Over the summer I wasn't feeling super content in my space. I felt weighed down by Oklahoma – the politics and scorching heat were bringing me way down. But lately... there has been a shift in energy. I'm finding my tribe here of artists, writers, photographers, dancers, and soul-seekers. Creatives who are manifesting their destinies and making magic happen right here at home. And instead of looking at my state through a lens of lack I'm seeing it as this place rich with prosperity and abundance – a place to convene, converse, and create.
I recently wrote a somewhat pointed and even sarcastic post* calling for creative entrepreneurs all over the world to stop spending their money and energy working just to pay the bills - to move to OKC and live what you love. But that sentiment has become a reality that I'm taking to heart. Lately, I'm finding myself committed to manifesting my destiny, hunting down beauty, making magic, chasing the dream and finding it all a little closer to home.
*Edit: Sarcastic isn't the right word. I'm being completely serious about there being some pretty amazing creative energy here in Oklahoma. I suppose I was being sarcastic in that I don't think many people would trade their amazing, progressive cities on the coasts for Oklahoma.
I think most critical thinkers/open minds have a love/hate relationship with home. The desire to strike out and make a new home versus the challenge to create something new from the familiar. Every year or two I have what I call a Sacramento renaissance, rediscovering the charm of a place I know like the back of my hand. Oh and this is for your sky post, it's funny I had just been telling my boyfriend about Oklahoma sunsets when you posted that so kudos ;)
ReplyDeleteI think most critical thinkers/open minds have a love/hate relationship with home. The desire to strike out and make a new home versus the challenge to create something new from the familiar. Every year or two I have what I call a Sacramento renaissance, rediscovering the charm of a place I know like the back of my hand. Oh and this is for your sky post, it's funny I had just been telling my boyfriend about Oklahoma sunsets when you posted that so kudos ;)
ReplyDeleteI feel weighed down by Oklahoma sometimes too, but I always come back around. Loved this post. xoxo.
ReplyDeleteDamn, was this a day for me to read this. I think about how much cheaper we could live back in Oklahoma all the time. But I would guess wherever the home/fantasy dichotomy falls pretty much everyone has days they want to pick up everything and trek to the other side of the world... but oh man, $800 rent.
ReplyDeleteMy boyfriend is a musician and I'm a researcher (creative in its own way I guess). We're looking at moving into a bigger apartment soon so we can have an extra room as a study/music room. When you posted your latest rental, I semi-jokingly asked if he wanted to move to OKC to join the creative colony that seems to be coalescing there.
ReplyDeleteGrow where you are planted.
ReplyDeleteSimply, this you will do.
Grow where you are planted.
ReplyDeleteOrig. from Penn and moved here over 20 years ago. Thought I would never adjust to the summers and so few hills here in central Okla. But I have definately adjusted to the people and the opportunites that exist.
Have a house with shop and barn and 10 acres that would have been twice the cost in Penn. Now just purchased 40 more acres adjoining our property just so we could have our very own mini forest.
Im really beginning to grow here.
Kathleen, you do such a wonderful job of championing your city. I drive through OKC from time to time on my way from Austin back to my parents' in Iowa, and you've inspired me to make some pit-stops next time instead of hauling ass through town.
ReplyDeleteI feel that what you say about OKC very much applies to what's going on in Des Moines, my old hometown. A great creative and entrepreneurial surge is happening there, and now I'm a little sad that I'm no longer live and working in it.
Thanks for reminding everyone that not all the cool shit is on the coasts (or in Tejas).
<3
last time I went back home to Oklahoma I left feeling so homesick and sad, for the first time in my 6 years away, I did not embrace my manhattan home with open arms, but rather longed to be back in OK. Your posts as of late are just fueling my homesick fire. It's always nice to get a positive perspective on Oklahoma, it really is doing OK.
ReplyDeletethis hits... you know... close to home. :]
ReplyDeleteI've struggled with the same issues you speak of in this post. I live in a town that isn't very creative and it's so easy to look around and think "man, it would be so much better over there, they've got what I want."
ReplyDeleteBut is it really that much better ... over there? Wouldn't you run into the same types of issues no matter where you go.
I think you're right in that you have to find and create your own tribe wherever you are once you open up to it things will just start rockin'!
I read your post re: a call to Oklahoma. I had no idea you were being remotely sarcastic. I even mentioned to my brother the next day that I put Oklahoma on my short list (for my next stateside move) I am in the market for a hip and affordable state of mind. Pun intended. ;-)
ReplyDeleteWow, you have no idea how much this intertwines with how I have been feeling lately.
ReplyDeleteMy husband & I moved to California two years for growth -- spiritually & creatively. And it's been so wonderful -- we have grown & evolved so much. I am surrounded by so many other artists, it's such a great community here! BUT -- I am desperately missing my family... mien in Mississippi and his in Oklahoma.
The south was the place we were escaping from. The southern idioly, the politics and close-mindedness... its scares me to think I will probably be moving back to that. BUT your post gives me hope! It has inspired me... and damn.. encouraged me to get out of my stupid way of thinking. There are artists & beautiful inspiring places ALL over this country. California is wonderful... but who knows what awaits us. Even in the south.
Thank you!!
Winter Sundays - I suppose sarcastic isn't the right word. At all. I suppose "frustration" better describes the feelings that come up when people get jealous of my cost of living but "would NEVER" come live in my state because of what we supposedly lack. However, I'm being serious when I say there is a creative revolution happening here. There is something in the air. And there is space to create. You're more than welcome, here! Seriously. Let me know if you ever want to visit and I'll show you around.
ReplyDeleteKathleen, thanks so much for your response! I'm from Brooklyn, New York and the cost of living here is out of control. I am moving to South Korea in February to teach ESL. (My dream has been to live and work abroad and I am finally doing it!! I am going to travel all over South East Asia and anywhere else I can get to)
ReplyDeleteWhen I read your post re: Oklahoma, I thought, "Hey! This could be a great alternative to returning to New York post-teaching contract!" Don't get me wrong. Of course, I love New York. But I've been longing for a tighter sense of community (kinda like the Cheers theme song. . ."sometimes you wanna go where everybody knows your name". ..) and a lower cost of living. Thanks so much for the offer to show me around! I will definitely take you up on it when I visit Oklahoma.
Honestly, if it didn't involve having to immigrate, or get a visa, I'd have probably responded to your listing.
ReplyDeleteMiss Vandelay - I feel like I've just now come to really appreciate Oklahoma sunsets. And even some of the local foliage we've got going on. It really is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteBrigette - I think I become especially antsy when it comes to politics... but yes. I have lots of love for this place I call home.
Rory - I know... we've talked about this a lot. I think you're in the right place for what you're doing.
Melinda - I love that. I'm super interested in buying some land.
Elisal20 - YES! I think OKC is worth a stop - at least for a great meal.
Amy - it's so funny because my brother lives in Brooklyn and the last time I visited I didn't feel sad that I didn't live there instead. My dream would be to travel lots more (like 6 months out of the year) and call OKC home in between.
FierySkullDiaries - XO
Sza - So true. There are issues everywhere. I might as well stick close to my tribe and work through those issues with people who have my back.
Latrina - I know exactly what you mean. I think creativity and spirituality can be location independent but there are certainly geographic locations (and people in those places) that are catalysts for that kind of growth. But I think I've taken it upon myself to make it happen from home. It may just take a little longer...
Winter Sundays - Congrats on your adventure to South Korea! Please try and make it to Nepal while you're over there. Spin a Buddhist prayer wheel for me. But yes! Holler if you visit for sure. Good luck in Asia! That's coming up quickly!
Vanessa - Aw, you're welcome over here anytime!
Thanks Kathleen! Yes, right around the corner! Nepal is on my list! Will def spin a Buddhist prayer wheel for you.
ReplyDeleteI feel so lucky to be in Oklahoma lately. Being a new transplant to Okc, I'd love to hear more about past years here. BECAUSE it's freakin awesome right now. But that hasn't always been my perception, as I've spent most of years traveling [aka running from Oklahoma] since graduating high school.
ReplyDeleteI, too, think Oklahoma is freaking amazing right now. I feel so grateful to be here during this HUGE wave of creativity that is sweeping through Oklahoma. It has me vibrating like crazy!
ReplyDeleteHowever as a new OKC implant, I would love to hear what past years have been like. I must admit, I have spent most of me years traveling [aka running away from Oklahoma] since graduating high school.
But so glad to be here NOW!
XXX
I'm Canadian, but this summer I drove across the US and then back at the end of the summer, and it was the first time I heard (or really learned about) manifest destiny. I think I felt exactly how you did--disappointed that such a beautiful term can have such ugly connotations. But I think you can't help but feel inspired as you make those voyages across rural America. While I don't know if we, as North Americans, have a divine right to the land, I do feel as though that desire to explore is so engrained in our consciousness, it maybe even be in our DNA.
ReplyDeleteThanks for this post, it brought back a lot of memories.