As humans, we have the innate desire to connect with others and form meaningful relationships. We build our homes and communities, create families and friendships, and invest our time and energy in the people around us. But what happens when our hearts and our homes are spread across different places, when we have loved ones scattered across the world? In her quote “You will never be completely at home again, because part of your heart always will be elsewhere. That is the price you pay for the richness of loving and knowing people in more than one place”, Miriam Adeney reminds us of the bittersweet truth that comes with having roots in more than one place – a truth that many of us who have experienced it can attest to.
The Heart Divided
Having ties to multiple places can be both a blessing and a curse. On one hand, it allows us to expand our horizons, experience different cultures, and form connections with people who might otherwise have remained strangers. On the other hand, it can leave us feeling torn, as though a part of us is always missing. We may find ourselves longing for the people and places we have left behind, even as we try to build new relationships and make new homes.
The heart divided is a heart that is constantly in motion, always searching for a sense of belonging. It is a heart that must learn to adapt to different cultures, languages, and social norms. It is a heart that must navigate the challenges of distance, time zones, and communication barriers. And yet, despite these difficulties, it is a heart that is rich with experiences, memories, and love.
The Price of Travel
For those who have chosen a life of travel or work that requires them to relocate frequently, the price of loving and knowing people in more than one place can be high. It means saying goodbye to loved ones more often than we would like, missing important milestones and events, and dealing with the practical challenges of packing up and moving on. It also means constantly adjusting to new environments, making new friends, and learning new languages and customs. And lastly, it means dealing with the inevitable homesickness that comes with being away from the people and places we hold dear.
And yet, for many of us, the rewards of a life of travel are worth the sacrifices we make. We gain a sense of perspective, broadening our understanding of the world and its people. We learn to be adaptable, resilient, and resourceful, developing skills that serve us well in all areas of our lives. And, of course, we build relationships that transcend borders and time zones, forming bonds that endure even when we are far apart.
Building Bridges
The challenge, then, is to find a way to balance our love for the people and places we have left behind with our desire to create new homes and communities. It requires us to be intentional about maintaining our relationships, even when we are physically distant. This may mean regular video calls, letters, or care packages, or it may mean making an effort to meet up with loved ones in different parts of the world.
It also requires us to be open-minded and adaptable, to learn from the people we meet and the places we visit, and to find common ground with those who may seem different from us. Building bridges between our different communities and cultures is essential if we want to create a world that is more tolerant, more compassionate, and more understanding.
Conclusion
Having a heart that is divided between different people and places can be a challenging and emotional experience. But it is also one that is rich with opportunities for growth, connection, and self-discovery. And that’s exactly what the quote “you will never be completely at home again” entails. By embracing the challenges of distance and learning to build bridges between different cultures, we can create a world that is more diverse, more connected, and more compassionate. So let us celebrate the richness of loving and knowing people in more than one place, and let us strive to build a world.
