Homebody’s Heart, Travelling Soul

As I prepare to travel to Portugal, I have mixed feelings. On the one hand, the excitement of travel and discovery, on the other – the pull of home for a homebody like me.

Home is where the world makes sense to me. It’s not just the walls or the cozy corners, but the rhythm of my days – the morning light filtering through the window, the comforting aroma of toast, the quiet hum of creativity in my studio. These are the simple, grounding moments that can’t be replicated elsewhere. Here, I feel connected to myself in a way that’s both freeing and deeply satisfying.

There’s a unique fulfillment that comes from being surrounded by the familiar. For many of us, home is where our truest selves emerge, protected by the sense of familiarity. It is a retreat from the demands of the outside world, a place where our interests and inspirations can take root and blossom in private. There’s a feeling of safety and peace that it’s hard to leave behind.

But then, there’s a spark that comes with travelling to new places and stepping onto new soil; an energy that heightens the senses. In Portugal, I think of the allure of cobbled winding streets, the sunlit facades of ancient buildings, the flavours of unfamiliar dishes and the sights I’ve yet to see. Every corner holds a surprise, every day brings a new story. It’s a world waiting to be explored, and it draws me in with the promise of memories that will stay with me long after the journey ends.

The beauty of travel is that it doesn’t just introduce you to new places, it introduces you to new versions of yourself. Each place has its own rhythm, its own mood, and as you move through it, you are often surprised by how adaptable, open and curious you become. Travel stretches you in ways that home doesn’t, inspiring creativity, stirring new fresh ideas and fostering a broader perspective.

Together, the pull of home and the excitement of travel create a rich, dynamic tension. Ultimately, it’s the dance between these two worlds that I cherish most. Leaving home may be hard, but it’s also what makes the return so meaningful. And while I am away, I find new inspirations that will enrich my time at home. Each place I visit feels like it becomes part of my creative landscape, so even as I miss home, I know I’ll be bringing back something beautiful to it.

I’ve come to realize that both excitement and longing add to the journey. Leaving home makes me appreciate it even more, and exploring new places fills me with inspiration that I can carry back to my quiet routines. In a way, it’s like creating a dialogue between home and the world outside, and I find myself grateful for both.

Do you ever feel torn between the comfort of home and the excitement of travel? How do you balance both?

And now, I’m off to pack. And yes, I am bringing a small little piece of home with me in the book pages I’ve prepared for stitching. I’m excited to work on those – as time allows.

Thanks for reading. Until I write again, keep dreaming …

Ana