I appreciate the line about homesickness, we are either homesick or sick of home. I have found this to also be true of people sometimes. I really miss them and want to be with them and then when I am with them I want to be alone.
Really appreciate you reading and leaving such a beautiful reflection, Donna.
You’re so right. People and places. I’ve noticed the exact same thing. When I did a 3 day solo hiking trip, I’ve never felt a deeper loneliness and craving human company. Yet the first day back to civilization I wanted to be back in the wilderness.
Thanks again :) hope you have an amazing rest of your weekend
I understand your point of view. My mother left home when she married and never returned to live in her hometown. I left home to go to university and never returned to my hometown.
In 1995, I answered the call to move to Paris to provide telephone technical support in French, a language in which I wasn’t fluent. I loved every minute of it, until I didn’t. My company would have had me stay longer, but I left after seven months to get married.
Now I find myself traveling every other week to stay with my 92-yo mother, to help her navigate life after my father’s stroke last November, and now widowhood, after my father passed in August. It’s disorienting. I don’t want to be there, but I must. She’s never been on her own.
My dream is to move to Iceland for a year, to study the language and to learn their fiber traditions (spinning, knitting, weaving) and also to experience every season. But ties (family, husband, etc.) keep me anchored here.
Enjoy the freedom to travel and revel in every moment, despite the homesickness. Everyone should be able to live outside their birth country. The world would be a better place.
Teri, thank you for opening up and leaving such a beautiful reflection. I must’ve re-read it five times. Sounds like the foundation for an excellent essay.
While I’ve never lost or had to take care of a parent, you have my compassion. I watched a family friend have her mother with dementia move in after her father passed. And she was torn. Between her desire to be a good daughter and pay the person back who raised her, yet also wanting to have her own life and maintain her marriage. It’s not an easy situation.
The unlived dreams always weigh on us the heaviest.
I sincerely hope you make it to Iceland.
I agree on moving outside our birth country. It’s so important to realize the small world you know is not the whole world. Your reality is not the only one.
Thank you for reading and again for your comment. Let me know if there’s any way I can support you :)
Ah France! I hitchhiked all over that wonderful country one glorious summer. The people had no hesitation in giving you a lift, but it wasn’t until my second day on the road till I realised why they barely spoke to me. I spoke English so they assumed I was English! From then on I would make it clear where I was from to the drivers, and what a difference it made! I was invited to sleep at some of their houses, wined and dined at truckers cafes by others, and even went over the border to Spain and back with one wild Parisian truck driver, just for the fun of it. I couldn’t agree more about living in other places. Other cultures. And there’s time yet for Iceland. It isn’t going anywhere soon. I wish you well for now. 💚
I pressed send before sending my commiserations on your fathers passing. My apologies. I commend you on your taking care of your mother, now she’s alone for the first time. It’s the most important thing to be done at this time, and despite its effect on you internally, you are showing up. Doing what needs to be done, and from a totally selfish point of view on my part, as I’m on the outside looking in, you are not storing up a ton of regret and heartache for the future. I too have put my life pretty much on hold these last few years as family commitments, a 3 year old grandson and 5 year old granddaughter, live with me. So at age 55 I am a parent all over again. I have been, more or less since the little girls birth. ( I do have a vacation to the Canary island planned for just after Christmas, but am already guilty about the fact they both won’t be with me.) It’s funny how we both fancy a trip to Iceland. I’ve always been fascinated by its landscape and culture. The Scandinavian countries are all on my ‘have to visit list’. Have a nice relaxing Sunday and speak soon I hope. 💚✍️
Having left home at 17 and travelling extensively till my early twenties, I cannot recommend it highly enough to anyone. I left a child, and came home a man child. Still a work in progress on that growth business. In contrast to yourself, I absolutely love getting away, and I’ve had lengthy stays in various places since my twenties, so I know that wanderlust is part of my make up. I’m fully alive from the moment I set out on my travels. At my best in connecting with people, coping with situations, and have rarely, if ever been homesick. Quite the opposite, I find myself in a little slump upon my return. We are all different, thank God, otherwise life would be intensely boring, I suppose. I cruise at home. I’m firing on all cylinders when travelling. And I wish you all the very best on your trip. And your essay. Your best work yet, you say! I’m intrigued. Take care and keep posting so I and others can travel by proxy. It belting down with rain here in Ireland as I type, with a north easterly breeze to boot. I envy you and your brother just a tad!
Kevin, thank you for reading and leaving such a thoughtful reflection. So interesting.
I’ve been lucky to travel a lot in the last few years and I know it’s been nothing but positive for my personal growth. Opens my mind. I realize my small world at home isn’t the only world that exists. I was talking with my brother about how you see how malleable your identity is. You’re put in new, often uncomfortable, situations and your conception of how you’d act may differ in reality. And so interesting on not being homesick but then struggling to adjust back to being home.
Thank you for following along and supporting my work. Really means a lot.
Love the anecdote on your home. I have Irish in my blood and I hope to visit one day :)
Fluidity in thinking and therefore your identity is essential, it’s just that travelling and the encounters along the way bring that ability to the fore. All the very best to you and your brother. Take care and talk soon. You lucky Irish sods!😀
I also got to see Noah Kahan concert live in Michigan on his tour and it certainly was touching. Surprisingly the first concert I ever attended that was dominantly sad music (since many being about depression). It was such a humbling experience for all these happy humans on a saturday night to collectively soak in recognition and celebrate the expressions of Noah.
His Growing Sideways song has been one of my favorites this year. It relates a lot for me of my tendency to get addicted to things and do hard things, whether it be work or triathlons/ competitive races. Orange Juice also accompanied me on my journey to becoming alcohol free.
“If I stay home literally, I’ll stay home metaphorically”
I relate so much to this feeling. I just graduated from university in the spring and have since moved back home. The feeling of comfort and not wanting to leave a place that feels so familiar, yet the longing of knowing that there is something greater out there for you to experience. I loved this line because it is just so true. I worry that, even though I talk of leaving, that I will stay too long and miss out on all the learning and growing that I could be doing. I also loved the line of “The fact that a thing is difficult must be for us the more reason for doing it”. This notion is one that I will try to remember when I am eventually leaving home and it feels unfamiliar. We need to be uncomfortable in order to grow. It is, however, comforting to know that I am not the only one who feels this way:)
Thanks for the great read, yet again! I hope you have a wonderful trip!
Thank you for reading & leaving such a beautiful reflection, Rachel. The tension between comfort and exploration was the exact dynamic I was trying to capture. What I’m currently trying to make sense of.
I had the exact fear. Of limiting myself by staying home. Especially in my 20’s which are “supposed” to be a period of excitement and exploration and personal growth.
It’s a funny paradox you captured there. Perhaps we can find comfort in that others can feel just as uncomfortable as us :)
Glad it resonated and thank you again for the kind words
This reminds me of myself 10 years ago before I quit my 'very stable and financially rewarding' job in search for something more. Fair to say: the itch never dies, and I hope you're able to live with it because the fuel it can give can either burn you or light up your way.. Good luck young bro..
Glad to be following your adventure here. Loved both the Rawls and the Rilke quote. I’ll be very interested in your “addiction to work” piece as it’s always been my struggle as well. That you’ve already generated 7000 words on the subject demonstrates your credility on the subject. :)
Rick, thank you for reading and leaving a note! Made my morning.
It’s a “work” in progress (haha). But thank you for the support. It hits close to home for me so the writing process has been painful but feels important.
Hope you have an awesome week. See you in WoP soon!
What a beautiful artwork to stare at. I find myself being drawn to modern art myself, you’ve inspired me to delve into more classical works. It’s a whole different modality with these old paintings, some took years to paint. These were the photographs of the day.
It was from the 16th century. I think the world moved slower back then, and it was easier for artists to devote years into a work. Now with a lot of art (music, writing, painting, etc.) there's a certain speed, urgency attached.
Part of the reason I chose it was because it was such a rich scene, with so much going on. A lot to unpack and unravel as I stared longer.
A line I read recently that I loved: "Unlike photography, nothing is ever in a painting by accident."
I appreciate the line about homesickness, we are either homesick or sick of home. I have found this to also be true of people sometimes. I really miss them and want to be with them and then when I am with them I want to be alone.
Being a human often poses a distinct challenge!
Thanks for a great article.
Really appreciate you reading and leaving such a beautiful reflection, Donna.
You’re so right. People and places. I’ve noticed the exact same thing. When I did a 3 day solo hiking trip, I’ve never felt a deeper loneliness and craving human company. Yet the first day back to civilization I wanted to be back in the wilderness.
Thanks again :) hope you have an amazing rest of your weekend
"We are either homesick or sick of home"... I couldn't relate more!
I understand your point of view. My mother left home when she married and never returned to live in her hometown. I left home to go to university and never returned to my hometown.
In 1995, I answered the call to move to Paris to provide telephone technical support in French, a language in which I wasn’t fluent. I loved every minute of it, until I didn’t. My company would have had me stay longer, but I left after seven months to get married.
Now I find myself traveling every other week to stay with my 92-yo mother, to help her navigate life after my father’s stroke last November, and now widowhood, after my father passed in August. It’s disorienting. I don’t want to be there, but I must. She’s never been on her own.
My dream is to move to Iceland for a year, to study the language and to learn their fiber traditions (spinning, knitting, weaving) and also to experience every season. But ties (family, husband, etc.) keep me anchored here.
Enjoy the freedom to travel and revel in every moment, despite the homesickness. Everyone should be able to live outside their birth country. The world would be a better place.
Teri, thank you for opening up and leaving such a beautiful reflection. I must’ve re-read it five times. Sounds like the foundation for an excellent essay.
While I’ve never lost or had to take care of a parent, you have my compassion. I watched a family friend have her mother with dementia move in after her father passed. And she was torn. Between her desire to be a good daughter and pay the person back who raised her, yet also wanting to have her own life and maintain her marriage. It’s not an easy situation.
The unlived dreams always weigh on us the heaviest.
I sincerely hope you make it to Iceland.
I agree on moving outside our birth country. It’s so important to realize the small world you know is not the whole world. Your reality is not the only one.
Thank you for reading and again for your comment. Let me know if there’s any way I can support you :)
Ah France! I hitchhiked all over that wonderful country one glorious summer. The people had no hesitation in giving you a lift, but it wasn’t until my second day on the road till I realised why they barely spoke to me. I spoke English so they assumed I was English! From then on I would make it clear where I was from to the drivers, and what a difference it made! I was invited to sleep at some of their houses, wined and dined at truckers cafes by others, and even went over the border to Spain and back with one wild Parisian truck driver, just for the fun of it. I couldn’t agree more about living in other places. Other cultures. And there’s time yet for Iceland. It isn’t going anywhere soon. I wish you well for now. 💚
I pressed send before sending my commiserations on your fathers passing. My apologies. I commend you on your taking care of your mother, now she’s alone for the first time. It’s the most important thing to be done at this time, and despite its effect on you internally, you are showing up. Doing what needs to be done, and from a totally selfish point of view on my part, as I’m on the outside looking in, you are not storing up a ton of regret and heartache for the future. I too have put my life pretty much on hold these last few years as family commitments, a 3 year old grandson and 5 year old granddaughter, live with me. So at age 55 I am a parent all over again. I have been, more or less since the little girls birth. ( I do have a vacation to the Canary island planned for just after Christmas, but am already guilty about the fact they both won’t be with me.) It’s funny how we both fancy a trip to Iceland. I’ve always been fascinated by its landscape and culture. The Scandinavian countries are all on my ‘have to visit list’. Have a nice relaxing Sunday and speak soon I hope. 💚✍️
Having left home at 17 and travelling extensively till my early twenties, I cannot recommend it highly enough to anyone. I left a child, and came home a man child. Still a work in progress on that growth business. In contrast to yourself, I absolutely love getting away, and I’ve had lengthy stays in various places since my twenties, so I know that wanderlust is part of my make up. I’m fully alive from the moment I set out on my travels. At my best in connecting with people, coping with situations, and have rarely, if ever been homesick. Quite the opposite, I find myself in a little slump upon my return. We are all different, thank God, otherwise life would be intensely boring, I suppose. I cruise at home. I’m firing on all cylinders when travelling. And I wish you all the very best on your trip. And your essay. Your best work yet, you say! I’m intrigued. Take care and keep posting so I and others can travel by proxy. It belting down with rain here in Ireland as I type, with a north easterly breeze to boot. I envy you and your brother just a tad!
Kevin, thank you for reading and leaving such a thoughtful reflection. So interesting.
I’ve been lucky to travel a lot in the last few years and I know it’s been nothing but positive for my personal growth. Opens my mind. I realize my small world at home isn’t the only world that exists. I was talking with my brother about how you see how malleable your identity is. You’re put in new, often uncomfortable, situations and your conception of how you’d act may differ in reality. And so interesting on not being homesick but then struggling to adjust back to being home.
Thank you for following along and supporting my work. Really means a lot.
Love the anecdote on your home. I have Irish in my blood and I hope to visit one day :)
Fluidity in thinking and therefore your identity is essential, it’s just that travelling and the encounters along the way bring that ability to the fore. All the very best to you and your brother. Take care and talk soon. You lucky Irish sods!😀
These are such beautiful reflections on place. Have a good experience over the next couple of months!
Hey Sarah, thanks so much for reading and leaving a note :) really appreciate it
Appreciate the kind words. I suppose good or bad, it’ll be an experience!
I also got to see Noah Kahan concert live in Michigan on his tour and it certainly was touching. Surprisingly the first concert I ever attended that was dominantly sad music (since many being about depression). It was such a humbling experience for all these happy humans on a saturday night to collectively soak in recognition and celebrate the expressions of Noah.
His Growing Sideways song has been one of my favorites this year. It relates a lot for me of my tendency to get addicted to things and do hard things, whether it be work or triathlons/ competitive races. Orange Juice also accompanied me on my journey to becoming alcohol free.
Very nice to e-meet another Noah fan :)
Hahaha reading this comment brought a smile to my face Jen.
I’ve become a huge Noah fan in the past year & it’s so cool that you’ve found some joy in it as well
His songs are bangers but also really admire his honesty and vulnerability as a creative - pushes me in my own writing
“If I stay home literally, I’ll stay home metaphorically”
I relate so much to this feeling. I just graduated from university in the spring and have since moved back home. The feeling of comfort and not wanting to leave a place that feels so familiar, yet the longing of knowing that there is something greater out there for you to experience. I loved this line because it is just so true. I worry that, even though I talk of leaving, that I will stay too long and miss out on all the learning and growing that I could be doing. I also loved the line of “The fact that a thing is difficult must be for us the more reason for doing it”. This notion is one that I will try to remember when I am eventually leaving home and it feels unfamiliar. We need to be uncomfortable in order to grow. It is, however, comforting to know that I am not the only one who feels this way:)
Thanks for the great read, yet again! I hope you have a wonderful trip!
Thank you for reading & leaving such a beautiful reflection, Rachel. The tension between comfort and exploration was the exact dynamic I was trying to capture. What I’m currently trying to make sense of.
I had the exact fear. Of limiting myself by staying home. Especially in my 20’s which are “supposed” to be a period of excitement and exploration and personal growth.
It’s a funny paradox you captured there. Perhaps we can find comfort in that others can feel just as uncomfortable as us :)
Glad it resonated and thank you again for the kind words
This reminds me of myself 10 years ago before I quit my 'very stable and financially rewarding' job in search for something more. Fair to say: the itch never dies, and I hope you're able to live with it because the fuel it can give can either burn you or light up your way.. Good luck young bro..
“The fuel can either burn you or light you way”
Wow, beautiful. Thank you as always Abdulrahman for your support. I will keep this in mind.
Appreciate you :)
Glad to be following your adventure here. Loved both the Rawls and the Rilke quote. I’ll be very interested in your “addiction to work” piece as it’s always been my struggle as well. That you’ve already generated 7000 words on the subject demonstrates your credility on the subject. :)
Rick, thank you for reading and leaving a note! Made my morning.
It’s a “work” in progress (haha). But thank you for the support. It hits close to home for me so the writing process has been painful but feels important.
Hope you have an awesome week. See you in WoP soon!
Enjoy your digital nomad-ing! Can't wait to follow your adventures from here.
Thanks Becky :) and thank you for following along & being a part of my journey
Excited to chat in WoP soon!
So cool that you are in South America, Tommy! Rio is great at this time of the year. Let me know if you come to Santiago.
Also, I’ll be in Buenos Aires for a few days in November, I will keep an eye for your recommendations.
Thanks Catalina! So good to hear from you :)
I’m still trying to get my head around how Spring is starting here, while it’s Fall back home.
I’ll be in Buenos Aires till November 10! If you’re around then, let me know if you’d like to meet up somehow :)
Cool! I get there on November 9 at noon. We could meet up later that day. I will reach out the week before 😊
You leave just when it gets unbearing warm; great timing!
Wow, great timing. Can't wait! :)
Loved your post Tommy. I’m curious, what painting did you enjoy for 75 minutes?
I chose ‘Jesus at the Pool of Bethesda’ a scene from a biblical story where Jesus heals a paralyzed man and enables him to walk.
I’m not Christian, but it was the one of the few paintings with Jesus depicted and caught my eye.
What a beautiful artwork to stare at. I find myself being drawn to modern art myself, you’ve inspired me to delve into more classical works. It’s a whole different modality with these old paintings, some took years to paint. These were the photographs of the day.
It was from the 16th century. I think the world moved slower back then, and it was easier for artists to devote years into a work. Now with a lot of art (music, writing, painting, etc.) there's a certain speed, urgency attached.
Part of the reason I chose it was because it was such a rich scene, with so much going on. A lot to unpack and unravel as I stared longer.
A line I read recently that I loved: "Unlike photography, nothing is ever in a painting by accident."