You're you, no matter where you are

Sometimes, we imagine that being in a different location will transform us, but the truth is, no matter where we go, we carry who we are with us.

While change can certainly lead to growth, our core selves remain the same.

We recently returned from an incredible trip to Europe, and this realization struck me.

As a family, we were no different in France or Italy than we are at home. My husband still wore his Carhartt shirts, baseball cap, and comfy pants. My son still had his music playing in at least one ear and was calm about everything. My daughter was still stressed about catching up on her schoolwork or practicing her upcoming solos, and I still found it hard to completely relax.

My husband still tried to sabotage every photo opportunity, inspiring the kids to do the same.

The same insecurities I felt at home, I felt on this trip. I still preferred flip flips for walking over other more "practical" shoes and ended up wearing them the majority of the time. (Despite the very judgy and horrified looks from the locals)

The dynamic in our family was the same on a train to Rome as it is in our dining room at home.

The frustrations, the jokes and the interactions weren't different just because we were in an amazingly beautiful or extremely different place.

Sometimes we think a glamorous destination or an upgraded lifestyle will transform us, but the reality is—we are who we are.

And maybe that's okay.

Comments

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