When he asked about my near future plans during my job interview, I feared coming across as yet another aimless millennial.
I moved to Seattle two and a half years ago on a whim, dreaming of possibilities—of opportunities for this new chapter of my life, muddled by the reality of being a twentysomething in this day and age. I couldn’t fully crystalize the image of my future, but I ran with alacrity, fear, and momentum.
I responded that I am seeking strong experiences in areas that resonate with me; that despite my present interests, I am mindful that life can unfold in unanticipated directions and my objectives may change overtime, further elucidating my long-term trajectory with each experience.
He nodded and shared an analogy: I am on a ship sailing across the water toward my destination. I don’t know precisely where I’m going or the route to follow, but one way or another, I’ll get there—or at least close enough—wherever my destination ends up being, and whichever route I end up sailing.
I think often about his analogy in the context of finding home in a new city two thousand miles away from my Midwestern roots. Heck, I obsess over it: it eclipses my conversations, I write my honest experiences on social media, and I even interviewed my neighbors to write an article on the subject.
As I refined my thoughts and experiences, I began to understand that home is an active process. To an extent, a place can only be home as much as I make it so, regardless of where that may be. Moreover, I realized this process is stained with joy and heartbreak; success and turmoil. Finding home is just as much about building my life as it is about living with imperfections and growing my soul.
Two and a half years later, I have taken a monumental step to become a first-time homeowner. Home is an active process, and I am eager to work toward making this place my home as I continue to build my life in this region, whichever way my life leads me.
And while I haven’t quite reached my final destination—wherever that may be—I have my bearings to guide me on this journey, and I am getting even closer to finding home.