Chapter 1: The Allure of City Life

City life once captivated me with its vibrant energy and diverse interactions. I relished the bustling streets filled with dynamic individuals, each contributing to the rich tapestry of urban existence. My aspirations leaned toward fame in acting or comedy, spurred by encouraging feedback from peers and instructors during my acting classes. It was a thrilling ambition to envision myself gracing the stages of "Saturday Night Live" or making a mark in Hollywood.

However, as I reflect on those days, I find myself questioning who that aspiring celebrity truly was. The reality of pursuing such dreams meant embracing two significant challenges:

• Living amidst a throng of strangers daily
• Navigating the complexities of city life

These aspects no longer resonate with me.

I once called Lansing, MI home and am now on the verge of finalizing the sale of my house there, marking my last tangible connection to that city and its concept of "community." My desire for a sense of belonging led me to initiate a community garden and engage in local politics. I had envisioned further involvement, yet my experiences revealed a stark truth: many people are primarily self-serving, and I, too, share that trait. Ultimately, I felt my contributions outweighed the benefits of living in such a dense environment.

The term "density" is often lauded by city planners and politicians, but to me, it merely signifies cramming as many people into the smallest space possible without descending into chaos. Unfortunately, many American cities, including Lansing, seem to be approaching a critical limit.

The recent manhole explosion in downtown NYC serves as a prime example of my concerns. Witnesses were thrown into panic, fearing another catastrophic event. Thankfully, there have been no serious injuries reported, but the incident underscores the negligence that often accompanies urban life.

The first video, "MercyMe - I Can Only Imagine," captures the emotional journey of hope and reflection amidst life's chaos.

Chapter 2: The Dangers of Urban Living

Living in a city means getting accustomed to the incessant wails of sirens. Just last night, Lansing experienced a massive warehouse fire, likely fueled by old tires. While my old house was not directly affected, the smoke was a grim reminder of urban hazards. The aftermath included a transformer explosion and power outages for several nearby homes.

In stark contrast, since relocating away from Lansing, I hear sirens only occasionally—perhaps once every few weeks. Here, the air smells of firewood rather than burning tires, a welcome change.

Violence has become a grim reality in many cities, including Lansing, where shootings occur almost daily. This is a far cry from when I lived there, where months could pass without such news. Factors like rising food and energy costs contribute to an atmosphere charged with tension and frustration.

People often scapegoat others for the issues plaguing cities, overlooking the broader systemic problems rooted in wealth inequality and a lack of investment in education and community resources. The narrative often shifts blame based on race or poverty, but the truth is that desperation knows no color.

The notion of Lansing as a "proud blue-collar town" underscores a refusal to diversify economically. Without investment in education or cultural initiatives, the cycle of ignorance and blame will persist.

In the second video, "Jordan Davis - What My World Spins Around," we explore themes of love and connection amidst life's complexities.

As I reflect on my current living situation, I find solace in the simplicity of my surroundings. My new home lacks the infrastructure of urban life—no manholes or bustling city streets. Our utilities are self-sufficient, and we have minimal reliance on external services. In this environment, even the sound of gunshots is often just a reminder of hunting or sport, not a signal of danger.

Here, privacy and respect for property are valued. When I hear shots, they are rarely reported to authorities, as everyone understands the context. This self-reliance fosters a sense of security that was absent in my city life.

A recent act of kindness from a neighbor, who plowed my driveway during a snowstorm, reminded me of the community spirit that can still exist outside urban chaos. However, I recognize that such generosity may not be commonplace.

Cities, once symbols of hope, now resemble powder kegs ready to explode. With an increasing number of people crammed into shrinking spaces and no meaningful solutions from those in power, the future appears grim.

For anyone still living in a city, be prepared for disappointment. Relying on urban infrastructure or neighbors for support can lead to disillusionment. I find comfort in my self-sufficient lifestyle, which feels far more secure in these uncertain times. The reality of depending on cities has become a perilous gamble, one I am no longer willing to take.