"Where we love is home, home that our feet may leave, but not our hearts."
- Oliver Wendall Holmes
I spend a lot of time thinking about trips. It's a hobby of mine; one of my most favorite stress relievers. Most of the magazines I subscribe to are travel-related. I research destinations that I am interested in going to, sometimes even if I don't have a trip planned there...you know, just in case. I cut clippings out about potential destinations and spend countless hours preparing for trips that are in the works, researching histories of each place, the best transit options, experiences and more. I even talk about travel a lot in this blog, in fact, that was one of my motivations for starting it.
Having just returned from my last trip on Tuesday evening, I find myself now reflecting of my time spent. And, in doing so, I realized that sometimes that best trip is a trip home. Home for me is St. Louis, Missouri. I know, not exotic at all. But something about home far outweighs the allure of a fancy location. Now, that's not to say I don't love going to new and different places, but I've come to understand a trip home, is really a trip for my soul.
This particular trip, I co-hosted a baby shower for one of my closest and oldest friends; had a girls day bumming with my mom; kayaked the lake with my dad; enjoyed my extended family as we partook in a family tradition of celebrating the Fourth together with a fast-pitch whiffle ball game and fireworks on the lake; watching a great movie with my niece, nephew and sister; spending the afternoon with my in-laws and great-nephew; there are so many others. Some of my favorite times were just being in my childhood yard, having my best friend spend the night at my house (like we did when we were kids!) and taking a long family walk through the neighborhood at sunset. I realized, I don't have to do anything out of the ordinary to gain a sense of renewal, fullness and peace. And, that is very good for the soul.
So as I am settling back into my routine in the 'Burg, I find myself thinking about the simplicity of home, of what that means and why it's important. As I create new memories, experiences and a new sense of home here in St. Petersburg, I know while I can share my heart, it will always be intertwined with the first community I ever felt a real sense of place, of belonging, of home...and, that's with my St. Louis. It’s part of who I am. My feet may leave you, but you are always in my heart. I know that as I create my new home experience in Florida, I am set up to be happy and fulfilled because my soul is reminded of what makes a home—family, friends, a sense of place
—
of what's important. And, for all of that, my soul is glad.
I will happily share my thoughts on why St. Louis is an awesome place to check out. If you are interested in learning more, I've included some links - www.explorestlouis.com and www.lakesaintlouis.com
Same goes for St. Petersburg - www.visitstpeteclearwater.com/articles/st-petersburg
