The past six months have been a little slower than my usual. Well… let’s define slower. Slower when it comes to jet setting around the world, being in the social limelight, and exploring new luxurious destinations. However, if you define having a baby, getting a kindergartener adjusted to big kid school, buying and moving into a house, and continuing my work on this blog and in the media as slow well… you are probably way out of my league when it comes to busy. It’s true my definition of busy has been redefined yet again. It won’t be long though, before I pick up my travel pace. In fact, we are headed out to Texas this month to discover all the treasures Houston has in store. I look forward to bringing you the best of Houston, until then I’m embracing these last few refreshing days of spring with my little ones. Here are three reasons I love being home.
1. Routine is the Rhythm of Life
Don’t get me wrong. I have come to crave the unknown. I appreciate the beauty of spontaneity, and I love seeking out adventure. However, I find my world begin to shift wildly out of control when there are no boundaries, or rhythm to get into when it comes to every day life. Living out of a suit case can be romantic, but it’s not a sustainable way of life. Everyone needs a home base, whether it’s a tiny flat, or a 3 story townhouse. Quality time at home allows the space I need to establish the norm, the baseline, or standard I compare the rest of my life to. There is a comfort in routine, and a feeling of security. This is especially important for children. This routine, if established correctly is useful when traveling, but it will never have the coziness it possesses at home.
2. Head in the Clouds, Feet on the Ground
Traveling can feel like a fantasy. Life seems to be full of color, everything is new, and someone cleans your room every day! By nature I’m a dreamer, and when I’m traveling those dreams come alive. When I’m at home things are more humble. I’ve learned to see the beauty in those humble moments. Without the contrast of these two worlds, it gets easy to take them for granted. The balance of each of these worlds instead makes me a more well rounded individual, living in the moment whether I’m the one being waited on, or doing the cleaning and care taking for my family. It’s the embodiment of one of my favorite scriptures.
“I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.” ~ Philippians 4:12
3. Refresh and Refocus
Sometimes I get restless. I wonder what I’m really accomplishing, or I feel I’ve completed the challenge I set out to conquer and I crave a new obstacle to overcome. Sometimes, though… it’s time to be quiet. Take a break, and quiet my mind. It is in these moments that creativity does it’s best work. You can’t force an “Aha” moment. You have to be listening. When I’m home and connected to the simple rhythm of life, I hear that little voice that is so easily missed during the times I’m in “the zone” and busy with all my personal goals. This is also the time I take stock of my relationships, and reconnect, repair, and rebuild any that need maintenance. Because, relationships are everything.
There truly is “No place like home”, but I do agree that home is where your heart is, and there are infinite pictures of what that image looks like to different people. What does home mean to you? How does it coexist with your journey and adventures through life? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.
Until then…
Enjoy the Journey!
xo- Amy West
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