"You can't get away from yourself by moving from one place to another "

You can't escape your own mind just by changing your surroundings. That's basically what the quote is getting at. It's a universal truth that no matter where you go, your inner thoughts, feelings, and issues tag along for the ride. Think about it: you could move to a new city with fresh faces and places, but at the end of the day, you're still you.

Ernest Hemingway, the guy who wrote this, knew a thing or two about moving around. He lived in Paris, Key West, and Spain—to name a few. But despite those changes in scenery, he faced his own struggles, like depression and drinkin'. The point he was making is that external changes won't magically fix internal problems. You've got to confront those head-on.

Let’s take a real-life example. Imagine Sarah, who's feeling stuck in her monotonous 9 to 5 job in Kansas. She dreams of adventure, so she packs up and moves to New York City, thinking the hustle and bustle will fill her life with excitement. For a while, it works. She’s thrilled by the skyscrapers, the fast-paced life, and all the opportunities. But soon enough, she realizes she's still feeling unfulfilled—just with more noise around her. The root of her dissatisfaction wasn't where she lived; it was her need to find purpose and passion in her work. New York couldn't fix that for her.

So, how do you apply this wisdom to your life? Start by doing some inner work. Self-reflection, therapy, or even deep conversations with friends can help you understand your core issues. Before you make any drastic changes like moving or quitting your job, pinpoint what you're really searching for. Maybe it’s a sense of achievement, meaningful relationships, or just peace of mind. Once you know that, you can make more informed decisions about how to get there.

Let’s put it into a relatable scenario. Imagine you're in a coffee shop with your buddy, Mark. Mark's been complaining about his life in the small town where he grew up. He thinks moving to Los Angeles will solve all his problems. You listen, nodding along, and then you say, “Hey Mark, I get it. A change of scenery can be exciting. But have you thought about why you’re unhappy here? What if those same issues follow you to LA?”

He looks a bit taken aback but starts thinking. Maybe he realizes he's been lonely and unfulfilled because he hasn't pursued his passion for music. Moving to LA could help, but it’s not the location that’s key—it’s that he'd be focusing on what he loves. You suggest he starts a local band or takes music lessons. That way, he's addressing the root issue, no matter where he ends up.

In the end, it's about being honest with yourself. Moving can be part of the solution, but it’s not the magic fix. Understand what you’re really running from—or toward. Only then can you make changes that truly matter.