It’s only when you are away that you realise what you're missing...
Life has a strange way of teaching us lessons. Often, we take the people, places, and home comforts for granted until they’re gone. The Yellow Taxi song lyrics, ‘You don’t know what you you’ve got ‘til it’s gone’, ring so true, yet it’s only when we find ourselves distanced, whether physically or emotionally, that we truly grasp the significance of what’s been left behind. Whether it’s the warmth of home, the presence of loved ones, or even the smallest insignificant routine of daily life, being away it often brings true clarity to what really matters.
Home sweet home…
Home is more than just a physical place, it is a feeling of belonging, of security, and of familiarity. People grow up dreaming of leaving home, eager to explore the world and seek new experiences. However, the moment their new life begins, it’s then they realise what they’ve left behind.
The smell of home-cooking, the comfort of one’s own bed, and the simple, everyday interactions with family members suddenly become most precious. There’s a certain kind of warmth in hearing the familiar sounds of home - the ticking clock in the living room, the laughter of siblings, or even the nagging of parents. When you’re away, whether for work, study, or travel, these seemingly mundane aspects of home life take on a very sentimental value.
For many who move abroad, homesickness becomes a constant companion. Even cultural aspects such as food, language, or traditions begin to feel more significant. Being absent makes the longing thoughts grow louder, and in that longing, one then understands the irreplaceable concept of being at home.
The value of relationships…
Distance has a way of revealing the true importance of relationships. When we’re surrounded by family and friends, we often assume they will always be there. We may take their presence for granted, failing to appreciate their support, love, and companionship. However, when we’re separated, whether by geography, circumstances, or even personal differences, it becomes painfully clear just how much they mean to us.
Long-distance relationships are a real test of the strength of love and commitment between people. Couples who find themselves in different cities or countries quickly realise how much they miss the daily conversations, the shared laughter, or the simple act of holding hands. The absence of physical closeness amplifies emotions, making people treasure even the briefest moments of connection, whether through a phone calls or messages.
Friendships, too, undergo a transformation with distance. The friends we saw every day at school or work may now only exist online. Here we begin to understand that friendships are not just about having fun together but also about the comfort and support they provide.
Family relationships often gain deeper meaning with distance. Many people realise how much their parents sacrificed for them only after moving away.
The loss of routine and familiarity…
Routine is often seen as being mundane, something to break free from. Yet, when we step away from our usual patterns of life, we start to miss their comforting predictability. A morning coffee from the cafe on the corner, the familiar commute to work, the faces we see every day - these small routines shape our sense of stability.
When we move to a new place, everything feels unfamiliar. The streets are different, the language may be new, and even the way people interact can be a cultural shock. Whilst exciting at first, this unfamiliarity can also be disorienting. The simple ease of knowing where to go, who to turn to, and how things work becomes something we yearn for.
For students away at university or employees relocating for work, adapting to a new environment can be challenging. They often find themselves reminiscing about the very things they once found boring - family dinners, weekend gatherings, or even the predictability of their hometown. Then the realisation dawns that routine was not just routine, and it was a part one’s identity and comfort.
The impact of absence on self-discovery…
Being away doesn’t only make us miss things - it also helps us discover more about ourselves. The distance provides a unique opportunity for reflection and self-awareness. When removed from our usual surroundings, we gain a fresh perspective on what truly matters.
Many people, after spending time away, return with a renewed appreciation of their roots. They may find themselves more connected to their cultural identity, traditions, and values. Others may realise that while they missed home, they also grew in ways they never expected. Being away forces people to become independent, make decisions on their own, and navigate life without the safety net of familiarity.
At the same time, distance can reveal what we no longer need. Some people realise that certain friendships were superficial, or that the life they left behind was not as fulfilling as they once thought. People can let go of the past and embrace new possibilities.
The inevitable changes and their emotional impact…
Another painful truth about being away is that things change, and not always in ways we expect. When we return home after a long time, we often find that the people and places we missed have evolved. Friends have moved on, family members have grown older, and familiar places may no longer exist. The realisation that life continues on without us can be heartbreaking.
Finding a balance between nostalgia and growth…
Missing something or someone is a natural part of being away, but it’s important to find a balance between cherishing the past and embracing the present. While longing for home, relationships, and routine is inevitable, it should not prevent us from appreciating where we are now. Growth often comes from stepping out of our comfort zones, and even though it comes with its challenges, it also brings new experiences, lessons, and perspectives.
Onwards thoughts…
Being away from home, loved ones, and familiar surroundings often brings a deep sense of realisation of what truly matters. It teaches us to value the things we once took for granted. However, this absence also provides an opportunity for self-discovery, growth, and new experiences.
And while missing something or someone is inevitable, it should serve as a reminder to appreciate what we have, whilst we have it. Life is constantly changing, and sometimes, it’s only through distance that we gain the perspective needed to cherish the moments, relationships, and places that shape us.
Amen...
1,209 Marathons - 288 Ultras - 17 MDS - 9 GWR - 1 Home Sweet Home