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Being Back in my Home State
I am currently visiting my home state of Florida.
I discovered a long time ago, the first time I visited a friend in Los Angeles, the true meaning of the concept that every city has its own pulse or heartbeat. I had flown there from Atlanta, where I was attending school. I hadn’t noticed the “feel” of Atlanta yet (I hadn’t been there that long), but I sure noticed the feeling when I landed in L.A. It made such an impression on me that I made sure to take note of the feeling when I returned to Atlanta, and I’ve made it a habit to notice the “feel” of every city or place I visit ever since.
I have lived in Arizona for 23 years now, and I have adjusted to the pace and pulse of my city — but there is nothing like being in my home state. The easiest way to describe it is that I feel a giant exhale and relaxation as soon as I set foot in Florida. It feels like home, no matter what city in the state I’m visiting. I am sure that is part of the reason why I’m moving back when my kid goes off to college. It just feels right.
Let me clarify that I am not in some nostalgic haze; I am fully aware that things have changed — enormously, and for both the good and bad — in the 23 years since I’ve lived there. I’ve seen it when I’ve visited. The expansion of cities and towns; the building; the population growth — even the crime. It is not the same as it was. And that’s totally ok. I am not looking to go back to some bygone time and have things they way they were. I am excited to experience what’s happening now — and in the future — there.
Maybe this doesn’t make any sense to anyone but me. That’s ok too. I know what I feel.
And right now, I feel like I’m home.
