Homing Pigeons

I probably have the only Golden Retriever in the world who doesn’t like to go for walks. He acts like he wants to, spinning around and nudging you until you put on his leash. He’s excited to walk past the first two neighbors’ houses, sniffing and peeing like any dog would do. But as soon as you go a few houses farther, he stops. I mean sits down, turns around, looks at our house and won’t move. We’ve tried everything- treats, running, bringing the other dog along, taking him somewhere else to walk, but the same thing happens. He only wants to go home or back to the car. I call him my “Homing Pigeon.”

Teddy and I have a lot in common. I love home too. I’m preparing to go to Dallas for a three day work conference. Yes, I’m blessed to be able to go. It’s a great opportunity to learn more about how to help people improve their mental health. I’m also going with some amazing co-workers. But I become a little anxious and melancholy every time I prepare to go on a trip. I worry about being away from all the things and people I love. Not being able to adhere to my daily routine makes me anxious. And, as crazy as it seems, I worry about being away if something catastrophic happens in the world. I have no idea what that would be- it’s completely irrational. But it’s a worry nonetheless.

I love my life. I love who I live with. He’s smart, funny, and a comforting presence for me. My dogs mean the world to me. Their greetings and snuggles always cheer me up. I enjoy checking on our baby chicks each morning, noting their growth. We have a Mourning Dove in the fern hanging outside our front door- she’s sitting on two eggs. I check on her and talk to her every morning. I can’t wait for those eggs to hatch. I even look forward to getting up in the mornings and doing my usual cleaning routine. It’s comforting and the perfect time to think through my day as I mindlessly scrub. I like my job and my part-time work schedule. I love to sit in my home office and write, adding poems to my verse novel, crafting a poem, or writing this blog to all of you. And I like sitting on the sofa each night getting caught up on tasks or watching a movie.

There have even been times when we’ve come home early from vacations because we miss home. The first few days of a trip are exciting but we end up longing for our routine, our pets and the comforts of having everything where it’s supposed to be.

I try to look for moments of joy in everyday life. Maybe it’s been effective. Sometimes finding the joy requires a shift in perspective. For example, instead of viewing cleaning as a chore or drudgery, I try to look at it as an act of love, for myself and everyone else who lives here or visits. I take in the smells of candles and cleaning products, feel the smooth, wiped down surfaces of countertops and find tranquility as I get comfortable in a pleasant space when the work is done.

If you’ve been reading my blog for a while you may remember that I chose novelty as my word of the year. You can see why it’s such a good choice for me. It can be difficult to step out of my safe, cozy routine to try new things. I need to be intentional about choosing new and different.

I feel like I should want more. With my new work schedule I have the ability to travel more but choose to take only a trip or two each year. I like seeing new things, meeting new people and learning about new places but not enough to commit to leaving home. Am I settling for a boring life and missing out on the world? I go back and forth about this.

On the one hand, I feel like I need to step outside my comfort zone and explore the world. It’s the best way to learn. It could spark my creativity. I’d have more things to think about, write about and talk about. On the other hand, I feel like I’m practicing gratitude for honoring and appreciating the life I have. Maybe there’s nothing wrong with staying home and snuggling in if that’s where I’m most at peace.

I guess even homing pigeons leave home temporarily. It probably makes returning home all the more satisfying for them. So on that note, I’ll finish packing for Dallas and prepare to enjoy a new adventure with wonderful people. I’ll enjoy every moment and look forward to returning home.

What does home mean to me?
It's a warm, soft blanket wrapping me up, making me feel safe.
It's a sunrise, bringing anticipation of the day ahead.
It's a well-worn path, taking me down my favorite route.
It's a flower seed, allowing me to carefully tend to all its needs.

Take a peek at this article about homing pigeons- how they’re used and how they find their way home.

Here’s an article about Getting Out of Your Creative Block: How Traveling Boosts Your Creativity

Java Bere offers a variety of resources for making your home reflect your style and personality. I am currently working through her “Tell the Story of Your Home” course.

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