“It’s a funny thing coming home. Nothing changes. Everything looks the same, feels the same, even smells the same. You realize what’s changed is you.” ~ F. Scott Fitzgerald
What comes to mind when YOU think of home? Is it the house that built you? Is it the place on your driver’s’ license? Perhaps it’s a person. Maybe it’s a place you’ve only been to in your dreams. Maybe home isn’t a place or person, maybe it’s just an idea.
The Welsh have a word that, in my opinion. defines home in the most beautiful of ways, “CYNEFIN“. Cynefin (n.) is defined as place where a person or animal feels it ought to live and belong; it is where nature around you feels right and welcoming. I feel this in my soul.
The Hubs and I were born and raised in the same small town in central Pennsylvania, and while the mountains provide a comforting familiarity when we return for a visit, there’s something about it that no longer feels like home. We recently returned for a visit with family. We ate at our old favorite restaurants. We stopped by familiar parks and shops. It was nice to catch up with friends and family, but it never once felt like home. To me, it felt like I was taking care of business. Sure, there are memories attached with people and places, but that’s all they are. Memories. There’s nothing left for my future in that small town.
The house that The Hubs and I currently call “home”, doesn’t really fit that sweet definition of belonging either. Our little cottage near the lake is by far the most beautiful and interesting of places that I’ve ever hung my hat, yet it still doesn’t quite feel like cynefin to me. It’s perfect for us…for now.
And maybe that’s because I’ve always had a lust for adventure. A desire to see the world one small town at a time. Or maybe it’s because home for me is my husband’s heart. And maybe still it’s because I’ve yet to visit the place I am to call home. I think it’s a combination of all three! I do know that I’m closer to “home” with The Hubs than I’ve ever been in my life!
“Don’t settle down and sit in one place. Move around, be nomadic, make each day a new horizon.” ~ Jon Krakauer
Where do YOU call home? I’d love to hear from you!
Until Next Time: Peace, Love & Adventures
Jess xoxo
Betting on the Betlyons 