Under the Oaks: It Takes Time, It Takes Time

to make a place feel like home

Welcome to Under the Oaks, a quiet place to sit and read in the Land of Oaks and Roses.

a favorite spot on my daily walk

Something strange is happening to me this summer: I want to live exactly where I am. This is strange because where I live is not New York City. About two years ago, we landed in the suburbs (I hesitate to share the name because the world feels scary and our town is small.) I know I’m not alone when I say that leaving New York City felt hard. I didn’t grow up in a suburb. I never daydreamed on Zillow. The question of where to call home has lingered for what feels like too long. But, I’ve truly surprised myself by how much I’m enjoying our little town that isn’t Brooklyn.

I’m enjoying the smell of chlorine on my kids after letting them swim at our community pool past bedtime. I’m enjoying the sound of the now familiar little voices who shout my kid’s names when they arrive anywhere. I’m enjoying the comforting feeling of hopping in the passenger seat when my husband drives. I’m enjoying the sun and the breeze and the birds and the turtles at the pond. All this enjoyment has made me wonder if maybe this is home.

Enjoyment sounds simple, but it’s not. I’ve found that pretty much everyone wants something in their life to be different. It takes intention to enjoy life as it is anyway. It’s a balancing act to want things or answers you don’t have yet while enjoying what you already have and know about your life. This summer has taught me that enjoying and wanting are meant to coexist. Enjoying your life exactly as it is doesn’t stop you from changing it. Have you ever gotten something you really wanted after loosening your grip on it? This happens to me a lot. And the thing that always helps me loosen that grip? Enjoying my day.

Maybe this is home. Maybe it’s not. But we don’t need to hold on so tightly to life’s unanswered questions. Instead, we can sit back and notice all the little specs of life happening right in front of us, waiting to be enjoyed.

See you next week!

P.s. Some things I own and some things I love are on sale this weekend. I rounded them up here!