The first time I remember being homesick, I was around 7 or 8 years old. I was going on a girl scout trip to San Antonio, Texas just a few hours from my home. We were split into two cars on the ride there, and even though I knew my mom and sister were in the other car, I couldn't help but bawl. I remember the chaperone's gentle voice as she attempted to comfort me. As the trip went on, I felt more at ease with being away from home. When we had to go back, I didn't even want to. I had learned and experienced so much, how could I possibly want to go back? Reluctantly, I went home and returned to the rest of my family. I returned home with exciting tales of adventure and a newfound desire to travel.
I have traveled a lot since then and as I have grown, so has my wanderlust. Every time I'm on a beach or a plane, even when I see pictures, I hear the call to explore. This call vibrates in the very fiber of my essence and drives me to try new things everywhere I go. I love to travel. I haven't traveled as nearly as much as I have wanted to, but every time I go somewhere it's an amazing adventure.
As for my homesickness, it's almost vanished, but not for the reasons you'd think. I don't forget my home and I don't ignore some longing to be home. I believe if home is where the heart is, then my heart is always in my pocket. I carry it with me, wherever I go and share it with the world. Not to say that I don't miss family and friends whenever I travel, but that I remember that they are always with me. With technology, I find it even easier to keep in touch with them whenever I am away.
When I return from a trip, I share pictures and tell my family stories. This bonds us closer together and further encourages my desire to travel more. As I talk to other people, I find that there are a lot of people who experience homesickness after being away from home for long periods of time. Even though I don't experience it as strongly as I did when I was a child, I can offer a bit of advice to those who do.
Remember it's natural to feel alone or alienated in a foreign place. It's natural to miss what you left behind, even for a little while. Don't let your feelings of homesickness ruin your journey. Remember, you're in an age of technology. Your friends and family are always a snapchat, message or a call away, so take advantage when you can. Nowadays, you no longer leave everything behind, you have the ability to bring things with you and to share with those you love your new experiences. So go explore, unfettered and with love in your heart.
