We all have different comfort zones and being homesick doesn’t feel the same for everyone nor does it mean the same for everyone. I’ve been in Paris for three weeks at this point and haven’t felt any homesickness, but today it hit me out of nowhere. What’s weird is I didn’t want to just fly home or go back to the States because that wasn’t going to cure how I was feeling. I was feeling emotional, and a little lost. Plus, it wasn't making it easier being in a new city with a new language, and people. I realized I was homesick for comfort and things that I have always been used to. I’m currently in the process of finding jobs, finishing graduate school, and finding who I am, which doing that from an entirely new place, can be a lot at once.

Although that is totally okay and good to recognize, it made me realize I truly am growing and pushing past my comfort zone. Making friends, having people understand who you are, and where you came from, can be really hard and quite tiring in a new place. Any international student will tell you, I’m sure.

I spent today at the Centre Pompidou, exploring the art, library, and beauty of Paris. Walking the familiar streets and not needing a map for the metro, I began to feel at home again. Struggling with big changes, life events, and new places is beyond normal and it’s important we always recognize and come to terms with these feelings. So, for all my travelers and especially my ones backpacking Europe, find little things that allow you to feel at home. Home doesn’t need to be place but can be a feeling or person. Home for me is smiles, kind gestures, comfort, and belonging. No matter where you are, you belong and you are loved. Homesickness allows us to grow as people, reach out of our comfort zone and expand the situations that we do feel comfortable in.

So, it’s not sadness it’s growth!