I should have bought this journal when I saw it. I just love this quote!
They should tell you when you’re born: have a suitcase heart, be ready to travel.
– Gabrielle Zevin
Someone should have told me this when I was born. I could have used the wise warning. I love that you can interpret this quote both literally and figuratively. And it can be applied to so many seasons of my life. When I first moved to California, I was desperate. I don’t recall thinking about leaving my family. All I could think about was being closer to Vitaliy and beginning our own family. It didn’t feel permanent. It felt like a temporary fix. We needed to get married and we needed to help take care of Vitaliy’s sister Leska. We’d worry about the future later, all we could think about was the moment. I should probably learn from my past and live more like that today. Stop worrying about the future.
But now that we’ve lived there for more than 8 years, it’s beginning to feel more permanent which is hard on the heart. I miss my family. I need a bigger suitcase heart. I can only imagine how much more difficult it will be once Vitaliy and I start having children. But as hard as it can be, I also can’t deny this love for adventure in my heart. One that my husband helped cultivate. I have a new found love for travel. And I’m surprised to say, I have a crush on California.
I’m thrilled that our work not only allows us to travel, but it’s also a reason for travel. I’m currently sitting in my dear friends home overlooking a phenomenal view of Washington, D.C. We are photographing Elias and Yuris’ wedding nearby on Saturday. I’m so thankful to be able to do what I love. I’m so grateful that our work is giving us the chance to explore new places. But even more so, I’m ecstatic that our work has brought us to the city of our dear friends Francis and Joanna. It was actually their referral that brought us here. So a big thank you to them!
I love to travel, but I also love to be at home. I long for adventure, but I also like to play it safe. In joy and in sorrow, the suitcase of my heart continues to grow. It’s packed with those I love, those that are near and especially the ones who are far.
As much as it breaks my heart that you are so far away, I am happy that you can call Cali home. Keep me packed in that suitcase if yours.
I understand you so well, Candace! Always on the move, making connections with people and then leaving is challenging. Family is no exception, especially when little kids are involved – they grow so fast! I am with you on this, Candace. Take heart. Setting roots doesn’t mean you’re stuck; it means you’ve matured, grown in wisdom, and understand the meaning and purpose of life, so you dig deeper to discover more, learn more.