Although I love this city that I live in, I definitely have my frustrations with it. And they’re not necessarily frustrations with Chicago itself, but with the big city lifestyle overall. No one cares who you are in the big city. No one knows you, recognizes you, or looks out for you. In fact, there are people who are actually out to get you. I find myself craving a smaller community where people know each other, look out for one another, and where the lifestyle is more laid back and moves at a slower pace.

I’ve been feeling a stronger connection tho home lately. It’s interesting how when you’re away from home for a while, or from where you grew up, you start to realize certain things about home that you love, even though you could barely stand it while you were growing up. I think as you get older you also start to realize how important it is to be close to your family and those you love. They are an invaluable support system and they won’t be around forever. So we have to enjoy them, appreciate them, and love them while they’re around. We don’t even know how long we’ll be around…even more reason to be close to them.

I’m surprised by how much I’ve been loving my little home state of Indiana recently and the sense of pride that’s been building that I’m from there. As much as I love the vibrancy and beauty of Chicago, it’s never quite felt like home.