“Where we love is home – home that our feet may leave, but not our hearts.”
~ unknown
A week and a half ago, I drank in my last walk in the woods at Scott’s Run Nature Preserve in McLean, VA like a cup of tea, sip by sip, cradling the mug with both hands, the steam bathing your face, cozied up in your favorite cushy arm chair.
The humidity that hung in the air the previous weekend had lifted, and it felt like a quintessential fall day as my feet crushed the leaves on the path and the puppies pitter patter paws kept me rhythmic company. It was mid-day, mid-week, and so I was one of only a few people there. Often, this popular park can be quite crowded, so I relished the sense of exclusivity I felt in one of my favorite places.
I used to run these trails with my big brother when I was kid (back in the day when I could still Forest Gump my way through every soccer game and run workout). Then, we moved away.
I returned many years later as an adult. Occasionally, I’d stop here for a short walk on my drive from work in DC on my way “home” to my sister’s house in Leesburg. Once, Pete and I met up here for a date. Then we moved away.
More than six years later, we returned again. This time, we lived only 15min away, so it was a place I often came to alone for an afternoon refresher, but also with friends. No matter my mood, or how long I walked, I always felt better for having visited.
Now, we’ve moved away again.
Places hold power.
The trees are magic.
The river talks.
The pups have a different energy here.
I’m often more present in the forest than anywhere else.
Moving brings mixed emotions and places can seem to have a hold on us. But remember WHEREVER WE GO, THERE WE ARE.
Believe me, I know, it can seem like the place is us, such that we need it in order to be ourselves. I felt that way when leaving Denver 6 months ago – like I was the best version of myself there and was terrified I wouldn’t be in DC. I felt like I needed the Denver yoga studio I loved, the friends I had, the parks I visited there in order to be me. Certainly, those social supports and healthy spaces matter! I do strongly believe that finding what feels like home is vital.
In the meantime, though, if life takes you elsewhere, don’t lose the power of the journey of being where you are, too. Because of our short stay in VA, I made a few new friends who are souls that have impacted my life beautifully, and made new memories in a place I’ve known for awhile. I consider that a blessing.
Goodbye, Virginia. I love you. You’re the closest thing I’ve had to “home” in 30+ moves.
Hello, Colorado. I never stopped loving you. You’re my HOME now.
Up early … that darn time change thing but it gives me some ‘quite time’ to meditate and read SEMPER SARAH;). I sooooo get where you are coming from. This was a huge connection for me. My dear friend and ex-husband used to say ‘wherever you are BE there’ which I agree with yet sometimes if its not the right fit the connection isn’t there and it makes it difficult to BE 100%. I believe when you are deeply connected with who you are you know and you are able to follow the guidance.
Thanks for sharing dear Sarah and welcome back to Colorado. I know she will embrace you as you have her.
Namaste
Lovely piece. I reminds me of my answer to the question “why in earth would you leave NYC?” While I had a great run there (15+ years), made wonderful friends and countless memories, it simply “Never felt like home. And it never would.” Now living in a city that I last lived in when I was 3 (Detroit), I feel more at home in 1 year than all that time in NYC. It doesn’t diminish my feelings for my NY friends, and it might not be “home”forever, but for now it is, and that is wonderful.
Welcome to Colorado. Just read about you in WHAT HAVE WE DONE. I appreciate your journey and will share it with my daughter. Honest , resilient, and a survivor.
Oldest brother was a 22 year career Marine officer. Appreciate you Marines.
Thanks so much for your thoughtful and kind words, Kent. Semper Fi 🙂