Won't You Be My Neighbor

                       

Community has been a desire of mine for a while now. Since I grew up in a large family, I like to be around people that I feel connected to. I prefer meaningful conversations and forming bonds with people--relationships matter to me. When I quit my job, I made a list of things that I wanted to accomplish within a year and finding a community was near the top. 

I have had the honor of traveling and meeting people all over the world, many of whom I regularly keep in touch with. However, I deeply wanted stable connections near home. With all the moving and traveling I have done in the past 8 years, I have craved a sense of home and connection.

Last night, my friends hosted a lovely dinner party where delicious food was shared and laughter had most of us in tears. This past weekend, I spent most of my time in the sun catching up with friends and once again stories and laughter filled the air. I even had a minor setback and 2 of my friends had a solution before I could even figure out how to fix my issue. They lovingly calmed me down and were there before I could even ask for help. I am bursting at the seams with gratitude.

I remember when I pulled up to where I am living now for the first time and let out a sigh saying "I finally feel like I'm home". That feeling has stayed with me and grown over the past couple years. Home has been something that has called me, even all the way in Bali when I was contemplating selling everything and just going away. The inner pull on my heart and soul was undeniable and so I returned home to start a business and also find my community. My friendships have blossomed into deeper connections that I could not maintain in the past. I am so grateful for the lovely souls that have come into my life and many who have stayed while I found my way back home.