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Aaron Tovi's avatar

My favorite thing I’ve read all week :-) I’d like to join you on your next visit. Good memories there for me too.

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Erika Tovi's avatar

That would be wonderful. I loved our walks there. 💕

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Bee's avatar

I’ve lost count of zip codes, well over 20. You’ve inspired me to tap into some of those memories. Beautiful pictures and storytelling.

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Erika Tovi's avatar

Over 20! Phew. How do you generally feel about all those moves? Do any stick out as a favorite?

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Bee's avatar

Yes, from childhood to adulthood and now seems like I’m staying put (maybe). With each zip code I have some awesome memories.

My favorites are the homes with my siblings, two apartments full of college memories, and where I slow danced with my baby girl.

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Erika Tovi's avatar

Beautiful. Thanks for sharing. 😌

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Rebecca Holden's avatar

Awesome post, Erika!

Home is everything to me. My parents still live in the house I grew up in - we moved there before I was two, and I'm nearly forty-nine. I've lived in other places, none of which I would ever willingly go back to. I'm a bit like that with things - once I've moved on, that's it. Memories are enough (or even too much!) 🀣

I wonder if you might enjoy this: https://rebeccaholden.substack.com/p/31-were-not-moving

Thank you so much for the link about HSP. I have just learned a gazillion things about myself. #mindblown

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Erika Tovi's avatar

I absolutely loved that post, Rebecca. Thank you for sharing! 🀩

And I’m happy to have helped shed light on a new resource! When I read about HSPs a few years ago, I couldn’t believe how much of my life made sense. At times, my sensitive nature has felt like a weakness. But in the last year, I’ve worked on leaning into the gifts being an HSP can offer, and it’s felt very freeing to own that yes, this is a huge piece of my personality and way of being in the world. And it’s BEAUTIFUL!

Elaine Aron’s “The Highly Sensitive Person” might be worth reading. 📖

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Rebecca Holden's avatar

I'm so pleased, Erika!

And gosh, HSP - I've been reading around it and it explains so much. I'm going to seek out that book you've recommended. Thank you! 😊

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Erika Tovi's avatar

My pleasure!

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Leah Gallear-Ouimet's avatar

I feel these words so much. You weave together such a visceral story every time you write. I can so relate to that 'prickly' feeling - that's exactly how I felt when we first moved to Richmond, but over time it's become home. But like you said, home is so much more about the humans around you. I crave changes in my environment especially since I work from home as you know, but I'm also realizing more and more how much I need the comfort of my familiar environment to recharge. All in all, I adore you and thank you for gifting us with your words once again. I always look forward to your posts.

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Erika Tovi's avatar

Oh Leah. ❀ It always makes my heart grin when you comment on my posts. Thanks for taking the time to pause, read, and share!! The older I get, the more of a homebody I think I'm becoming.

The WFH life definitely adds a complicating dynamic to that sense of home. I think having a designated working space helps. It's been so fun to see your place come together over the last year. Can't wait to visit again—hopefully soon!

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Leah Gallear-Ouimet's avatar

That's so true - home is also work and it's hard to separate the two. I think for someone who has had a hard time setting boundaries with my work and home life, it's difficult when I can just walk into another room and be 'at work' again. It's getting better though. :) Can't wait to have you and your lovely family visit again!

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Erika Tovi's avatar

💛💛💛

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