I’m 21 years old and I miss home.

I’m not ashamed to admit that. Partly because it’s true. But also because I know that a lot of people my age do too.

I miss the smell of the house when I walk through the front door. I miss the familiar creeks and groans of my house. I miss the little quirks of my room.

I miss the paintings on the wall. I miss my parents’ dogs. I miss the sounds of the town. I miss the familiar faces.

I miss it all.

Obviously, there are certain things that I miss about my home that other people not miss because it either isn’t important to them, or it isn’t relevant in their lives. But ultimately, this wanting comes down to one thing.

We miss our families. And I’m not just talking about the maternal or paternal family members. Or even siblings. Not everyone has that and not everyone is going to miss that.

Your family could be your family, friends, coworkers, or even just the town.

It’s hard to admit sometimes, that all you really want to do is go to your home and crawl into your bed. It’s hard to admit that sometimes you can’t be happy, because all you can think about is a certain restaurant or a particular tradition you partake in. It’s hard.

It’s hard to know that while your life is moving fast and furious, while you are learning and growing and evolving, while your future is being molded…life is also happening at home. People are continuing with their lives. Things are changing and when you come home, things might not be exactly as they were.

But just know that it is okay to admit you miss home. It is okay to admit that you are sad that things are changing. It is okay to feel like you are missing out.

Because the beauty of home is that you can always go back.