The Websters Dictionary defines HOME as: noun – A dwelling house; the house or place in which one resides. There is no emotion in that description but yet when I think of HOME it evokes a deep feeling of emotion for me. I have found my home in a small town of Tennessee. It has taken me a long time to find HOME. Growing up my sister and I lived in Mobile Alabama, we had a simple life. We were outside playing in the early morning when the grass was still wet with dew and only went in when the street lights came on to tell us it was time to go home. We had many adventures here in what we thought was our world.
We played Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys adventures. We rode our bikes more miles than I can count – around ” the circle”. This was our HOME.
Over the years as my sister and I grew older ,we went on to live our own lives, we kept in touch and many of our conversations would frequently bring us back to this place and time, reliving the memories and the fun we had. I can still see in my mind every room in that house, and the yard that provided so many adventures. We even talked about buying our old home on Bourgeois Dr. but things have changed and I don’t think it would be Home again.
I have lived in Virginia, Florida, Colorado and California and throughout my life I was always trying to find home. The problem was I don’t think I really understood what Home was for me. We have sayings; Home is where the Heart is, Home Sweet Home, etc. but what do they really mean. For me home is a sanctuary, a place to be myself, to relax and let all the cares of the world melt away. It is a place that reminds me I have enough in the simplest of things, I don’t need all the things the world is telling me I need. It is a time to reflect and organize my life one day at a time.
We get so caught up in making the next dollar, needing the newest technology, the newest fashions or trends, we forget to stop and enjoy the life around you. When was the last time you sat on the porch or backyard with a cup of coffee or tea and relaxed, just took time for yourself? To reflect on your life and what you want in it.
I hope you are on a journey to find your HOME, what is your HOME? What is it to you?