Anyone out there knows that moving away from home is hard. Starting a new chapter in your life includes lots of changes which can be absolutely terrifying. For those of you that have, you know you can’t help but get homesick sometimes. Moving on from something you were so used to is difficult and it takes some maturity that not all of us have figured out just yet. Whether you just get sick, overwhelmed by life, or go through something tough, it is hard when all you want is a hug from a parent and some loving advice. A call to your parents can only make you feel so much better. But sometimes, a trip home is just what you need.

Home is natural and a solid go to when you need a little bit of sanity back. Home is about all the memories you have made, whether that be where you grew up all your life or somewhere you more recently started getting accustomed to. Home is truly where the heart is. No matter where that might be in this world, it means something special to everyone. Home is where your favorite restaurant is where they know your name and what your usual order is. Home is where your family pets live that help you sleep a little bit better at night. Home is where you know no matter what you're dealing with, you have a loving support system.

So visit home. Take that time to see the ones you love and remind yourself where you came from and why it is so special to you. If you grew up in a different place, you wouldn't be who you are today. So acknowledge that and appreciate that. Every place in this world is unique and shapes whoever you might be. And that’s such a blessing.

Individuality is what makes you, you. Don’t take that for granted. Always remember that no matter where your life takes you, that home is always there. One day you will grow up and start a new home with your own family and grow that together. But no matter how many new homes you may have, where you started will always impact you and be true to you.

With all that said, don't be afraid to move away from home. It is so important to experience as much as you can in order to grow as a person. When you do take on new adventures, always keep a little piece of home with you. Let that motivate you and inspire you to go above in beyond in everything you do. Be grateful that you've been blessed with the opportunities you have been given, the people you have had the privilege to meet, and the home that made you the person you are today.

I will forever be grateful to Oklahoma. Thunder Up!