Wonderment
Why Austin is different from anywhere I’ve ever lived.
From Bryan to Lake Jackson and Houston to Longview, I’m a Texas girl, born and raised. I know my manners, canride a horse and my road trips contain some of the best pastoral scenery found in this great country. But of all those Texas cities I’ve lived in, Austin has stolen my heart and become my home.
Austin has quite the ensemble of characters, creating a perfect song of unity and alliance. From the well-versed veteran Austinite to the fresh and hip urbanite (and all that lies between), we do our best to respect each other’s views, passions and gifts. Why? Because with its engaging landscape, ever-evolving metropolis and legendary landmarks, our city quietly asks it of us. Be kind. Dig deeper. Strive to understand.
Austin welcomes all who enter, regardless of the “Don’t move here” bumper sticker, which, ironically, is like telling a teenager not to go to the party; expect lined-up pillows when you pull back the sheets. And once you are here, Austin offers opportunity for whatever tickles your fancy. With countless possibilities, you can pursue a degree from a prestigious university, climb the corporate ladder at a company that puts value on their employees or start a career in botanical medicine. You don’t have to be afraid to discover your true potential, your purpose.
Regardless of what you may have been told growing up, the world is yours for the experimenting. And rest assured that you will, no doubt, find a small village of like-minded friends to help you along the way.
This city is filled with mindful, kind people. You’ll note the Southern charm of holding doors for each other and experience dinners filled with words like biometrics and encryption, all while wearing flip-flops and V-neck T-shirts. We embrace creativity, entrepreneurship and originality. Actually, the more imaginative and clever, the better. And that type of ingenuity flows between one person, inspiring the next, giving a steady stream of innovative ideas that makes Austin compelling and significant.
With this ongoing lot of concepts, the one constant we can count on is change. Another constant we can expect with change is resistance. Every generation has claimed their tenure as the pinnacle, that it has all been downhill since the ’70’s, wait, the ’80s or was it the ’90s? Oh, who can keep up at this point? What that conversation signifies is that Austin stays current. It’s alive with imagination and wonder. The truth is, not one generation or group of people can own it. It was built to be shared.
Carrin Lewis has been an Austin resident since 1996. After two decades in hospitality and sales, she is currently pursuing her dream of becoming a writer.
September’s Last Word topic will be “Why Austin Woman magazine matters.” To be considered, email a 500-word submission by Aug. 1 to submissions@awmediainc.com.
Age Is Just A Number
Share