Hey, friends! Between family vacation and a work retreat, I’ve been traveling a lot the past few weeks, and that’s left me with a bad case of homesickness. Even now that I’m starting to settle back in, I still find myself yearning for that at-home feeling. Have you ever been there?

I’ve always seen this blog as a place to share what’s on my mind, and lately, what’s been on my mind is home. Specifically, I’ve been reflecting on all of the things I love about it. So that’s what I’ve got for you this week: a list of my favorite things about this place I call home. Here we go.

Home is where my dog is: cuddles, walks, shedding, slobber, play time, and all.
Home is where Katherine and I can fully relax, fully be ourselves, and fully spend time just the two of us.
Home is where my bed is. My comfortable, wonderful bed.
Home is where my friends can visit anytime and just catch up.
Home is where I have a stable internet connection at all times.
Home is where I can work in my office with my awesome coworkers and all of the gadgets and toys I’ve collected.
Home is where I don’t have to worry about my phone battery because I’ve always got a charger within arm’s reach.
Home is where my closet is. So many clothes and shoes to choose from!
Home is where I don’t need a GPS to get around.
Home is where my family and I can sit down for a lively meal whenever we want.
Home is where I don’t need shoes to run out into the backyard and enjoy the weather for a minute.
Home is where I can get into my regular routine and stay there. It’s where I can know, to a reasonable degree, what to expect out of every day.

I could go on, but I’ll spare you

They say you don’t truly appreciate something until it’s gone. I’ve found that to be true myself. I think that the things I’ve missed the most about home while I’ve been away are the things that truly make it “home” for me. And I’ve noticed a few recurring themes.

Of course, the people are what I miss the most. (I’m obviously including Winter in the people category.) The most important thing about home will always be my family and friends. Without them, it wouldn’t mean a thing.

But I think the second most important aspect of home is familiarity. I like home because it’s what I’m used to. Home is my regular routine, my regular eating places, my regular pillow. New experiences are great for a short time, but I’ll always trade novelty for the safety and security of home.

And then there’s an element that I hadn’t really thought about before: control. Being away from home means entering spaces that aren’t mine and relying on other people in ways I usually don’t have to. Something as simple as being able to drive from one place to another is a luxury I enjoy at home but not everywhere else. Home is a place I can make my own, and that’s something I’m learning to cherish more and more.

The question of what “home” means is one that’s fascinated me for a long time. I’ve always known it’s more than a place, but I’ve never been able to pinpoint what exactly it is. Being away for a little while has helped me get some glimpses of what home means, but as with anything, I’m sure there’s more to it than I can see.

So I’ll ask you: What does home mean to you? What do you love most about home that you can’t get anywhere else? I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Whatever home means, I’m happy to be here. It’s my favorite place, and as Dorothy said, there’s no place like it. In addition to some wonderful experiences, my travels have given me a deeper appreciation for home that I won’t soon forget. Here’s to lots more time enjoying it.

Thanks for reading, friends! I’ll see you next week.