Dear Martha: The Off-Island/On-Island Pull

Dear Martha,

It's not easy, you know. And those who pretend it is are desperately trying to make it work, they might have a great situation, or just landed on the Rock in the past week. Well, I didn't. I've been here for what feels like a while and I'm in a bind. 

I am highly educated and experienced, I have all those "highly recommended" assets you see on a job description but I don't feel, well, valued here. More importantly, I feel like America is literally calling my name from the perspective of possible relationships, jobs, and hobbies. 

Better question, am I being completely shallow and short-sighted? I do love it here but I feel like I need to explore a bit. Moving away feels insane but that's the zone I am in. Have you been here before and can you help?

- Turning On and Off

Dear On and Off - 

So let's begin here. You are normal and your neurons are firing in exactly the right directions at exactly the right speed and time. What you are dealing with is the (terribly annoying) subjective part of it all. The heart always gets us in trouble, does it not?

While living on Martha's Vineyard it does feel that jobs are better in America, they pay better, they have enticing benefits and are less intense.  We hear the men/women are plentiful and varied, offering just the right combo (the combo we find often extinct on the Vineyard). We hear, it's well, easier. 

To the thoughtful Vineyard-loving mind, there is a very strong opposition. Just hear it out for the sake of building a stronger you. 

To quote the "Godfather 3:

""Just when I think I'm out, it pulls back in!"

Need more than that? The Vineyard named by Martha might seem like just a name, don't be fooled, there is more at work than a name, take it from the Godfather. Dollar signs, low rent apartments, and networks and networks of friends seem like a winning ticket but Martha has a song all her own. I've heard some equate it to the Song of the Sirens.

Not to be explained or rationalized but simply honored and respected. 

We find it rational to leave our lady Martha to go find that one or two or three things that are missing, and often at the end of the day, the that one thing is most often something we could have created had we been diligent, dedicated, and full of true intention. Food for thought I'd say? 

Classicaly though, easier said than done.

I'd gamble on your potential, talent and love for Martha's Vineyard and I'll say that your last ditch effort would be you giving yourself fully to the island and maybe the island will then give herself fully to you? 

Maybe not. That's fine to, to each his own. If you leave you will find yourself pining and missing this place like you miss a best friend, a sister long gone, or a brother in a far off time zone. 

Life will not feel the same till Martha is holding you again. It's a sad truth and it might haunt you forever, but better to hear it now than later.

Give her a chance, she does love you after all.