It’s amazing sometimes how far away we can feel from the people we love. This past weekend I felt like I was on a rollercoaster ride. Friday afternoon as I walked a trail through Red Mountain Park for the first time, I was taken aback by the beauty surrounding me. I love being in the woods, seeing butterflies soar beside me, watching the sunlight through the trees. Something about it makes me feel so peaceful and in tune with myself.

Then I was faced with places I wanted to be: a Bruce Springsteen concert in New Jersey with my good friends; Beaver Stadium on a crisp fall day watching my beloved Nittany Lions score touchdowns with my best girlfriends; in my sister’s living room in Massachusetts, making silly faces and baby noises with my mom as we watch my niece giggle and coo.

It wasn’t until Sunday morning that, while I still would’ve loved to be with any of those other people, I finally stopped and looked around me. I was finally able to stop wishing for something else and breathe in deep, content with where I was. I had just bid farewell to my loving boyfriend who wished me luck on my run, and I stepped onto Lakeshore Trail with purpose. As I started to run, I let everything go and started to smile. I smiled because how lucky am I? I have people scattered near and far who I love and who love me. I can use my two legs and two feet to move myself through this world and enjoy the beautiful scenes around me. No matter where I am or who I’m with at the time, I am truly blessed. I am home.