I adore this, and congratulations on your home. I personally feel that actually having some roots gives even more allowance for wandering… because you have an anchor to return to rest your bones and prepare for the next adventure. So excited for this chapter for you xx
Congratulations on your home! It is beautiful, I am so happy your family got to experience it too. Keep us updated if you happen upon any wild boar sightings! Be well.
Thank you so much Rachel 🩷 It was particularly significant for me to have my family with me for that moment. Particularly my 85-year old grandmother who was uprooted at 8 years old with the partition of India and has not really felt at home since. I wonder what the future holds for my children…
And speaking of maternal lines, the wild boar are fiercely protective mothers and I would be terrified to come face-to-face with one but if I do, and live to tell the tale, I will let you know!
How beautiful was this! The most difficult and important journey is the one that we undertake to go within - perhaps all our travels and uprooting is in preparation for that. As you tend to the wilderness and it nourishes you in return wishing you joy, fresh fruit and fragrant flowers and a peaceful home. And yes, your singing is beautiful.
I'm glad you came to the conclusion you came to - our identities don't need to be explained, proven and validated by other people. You are a woman who wanders, even if you have a more permanent base now!
Your essay resonates with me as a fellow wanderer, but one who also needs a connection to home and hearth. It's wonderful when you get both, isn't it? And if we hold on to our curiosity, as you said, we will always wander.
I think I'm going to make Quito Ecuador my home...at least for the next few years. I've wandered all over the US and spent the last couple of years wandering in Europe. But I find I like it here...especially as an environmental activist, there is good work being done in the Amazon by the indigenous communities.
That sounds amazing. Finding something I was willing to contribute my time and energy to was a big part of my reasoning too. I'm glad you've found somewhere that feels aligned with your vision for the world 💚
My brain is too fried at the moment to read but your photos gave me the beautiful essence of wandering ♥️ like I smelled the food instead of tasting it. Hope to read all of it soon.
I loved reading this wrestling and inner struggle. Your identity was at stake! You have reached a conclusion which has not changed your identity, but there was learning and growth in the process and now you have a renewed sense of self ❤️
I really resonated as I went through a similar process myself recently 😊which funnily enough included a house and the name of my substack 😂
We do live funny lives, don't we? "Who am I?" is probably an age-old question but "does my internet identity align with who I currently am?" is a new one! 😂
Congratulations on your home (it looks absolutely beautiful) and on writing this! As I think about setting up roots somewhere soon, I’ve been asking myself these questions too. Along with… what will I write about?? 😅
Nothing (and everything) has to change. I don't even know what I mean by that but there's probably a truth in the paradox. Maybe? Basically, VERY LOST is a state of mind!
I adore this, and congratulations on your home. I personally feel that actually having some roots gives even more allowance for wandering… because you have an anchor to return to rest your bones and prepare for the next adventure. So excited for this chapter for you xx
That's a beautiful reflection Lauren, thank you. Wandering out and back again rather than wandering aimlessly ❤️
Congratulations on your home! It is beautiful, I am so happy your family got to experience it too. Keep us updated if you happen upon any wild boar sightings! Be well.
Thank you so much Rachel 🩷 It was particularly significant for me to have my family with me for that moment. Particularly my 85-year old grandmother who was uprooted at 8 years old with the partition of India and has not really felt at home since. I wonder what the future holds for my children…
And speaking of maternal lines, the wild boar are fiercely protective mothers and I would be terrified to come face-to-face with one but if I do, and live to tell the tale, I will let you know!
How beautiful was this! The most difficult and important journey is the one that we undertake to go within - perhaps all our travels and uprooting is in preparation for that. As you tend to the wilderness and it nourishes you in return wishing you joy, fresh fruit and fragrant flowers and a peaceful home. And yes, your singing is beautiful.
Oh, this is the most beautiful comment 🥲 Thank you.
Congratulations on the house! 👏👏👏😁♥️
I'm glad you came to the conclusion you came to - our identities don't need to be explained, proven and validated by other people. You are a woman who wanders, even if you have a more permanent base now!
Your essay resonates with me as a fellow wanderer, but one who also needs a connection to home and hearth. It's wonderful when you get both, isn't it? And if we hold on to our curiosity, as you said, we will always wander.
I'm glad to hear it resonated 😃 Where in the world do you call home?
I think I'm going to make Quito Ecuador my home...at least for the next few years. I've wandered all over the US and spent the last couple of years wandering in Europe. But I find I like it here...especially as an environmental activist, there is good work being done in the Amazon by the indigenous communities.
That sounds amazing. Finding something I was willing to contribute my time and energy to was a big part of my reasoning too. I'm glad you've found somewhere that feels aligned with your vision for the world 💚
My brain is too fried at the moment to read but your photos gave me the beautiful essence of wandering ♥️ like I smelled the food instead of tasting it. Hope to read all of it soon.
Good to know I'm not the only one who attempts to make my way through a post with less active braincells than are necessary! 😂
I loved reading this wrestling and inner struggle. Your identity was at stake! You have reached a conclusion which has not changed your identity, but there was learning and growth in the process and now you have a renewed sense of self ❤️
I really resonated as I went through a similar process myself recently 😊which funnily enough included a house and the name of my substack 😂
We do live funny lives, don't we? "Who am I?" is probably an age-old question but "does my internet identity align with who I currently am?" is a new one! 😂
What a beautiful post! A question I ask myself as well. I've been a wanderer my whole life. Sometimes by force, other times by my will.
Congratulations on your new home! Cheers to growing deep, sprawling roots!
Thank you Nneka! I'm curious... Where in the world are you currently?
Hiiiii:-) I'm in Charlotte, NC now. I moved here from Miami, FL in February. I came for the peace.
Congratulations on your home (it looks absolutely beautiful) and on writing this! As I think about setting up roots somewhere soon, I’ve been asking myself these questions too. Along with… what will I write about?? 😅
Nothing (and everything) has to change. I don't even know what I mean by that but there's probably a truth in the paradox. Maybe? Basically, VERY LOST is a state of mind!
This was so joyous to read! Thank you for sharing it - I will have to go back because I clearly missed the last post, and the song.
Thanks Noha!
It's this one from about 9 months ago: https://rahmadutton.substack.com/p/what-if-i-stayed
The comments were rich too ❤️
Thank you! Yes, I always enjoy when people share their own reflections in the comments.
Mabrouk dear Rahma on your home! I wish you so much joy there.
Thank you dear Karla 🫂
Congratulations on becoming and home and land owner. May your soul and spirit feel lifted and at rest.
Thank you for your beautiful words 🩷
Thank you dear 🫂