All through school and all the way up until high school graduation, all you heard was kids saying how they couldn't wait to move far far away and start over. They hated their little hometown and couldn't wait to get out and make something of themselves. We've all heard it, some have even said it from time to time. We have this weird desire to leave our comfort zone and walk away from something we've known for all our lives and never look back.

What we fail to see, however, is how much these small towns truly made us into who we are and how part of us will always be in this town. We fail to see the beauty and power these hometowns have in creating the people we are today. We are all intertwined into these hometowns. The people, the streets-- it all changed us in some type of way, whether it's big or small. even if you say you're leaving for good, you can always come home. These are our streets, our stomping grounds. These towns are what made us who we are. They'll always be here to welcome us back with open arms no matter how long we decide to walk away for. These hometowns never give up on us.

Don't get me wrong, change is good and some people need that to feel complete. They need the experience and all of the other things that come along with leaving home. Home is where the heart is and home will always be where you belong. Miley Cyrus said it best, "you'll always find your way back home."

They say we never know what we have until we lose it and I've never heard anything truer. Even after all those years trying to get out and moving far far away, you'll miss the streets and people you've known your entire life, believe me. Yes, granted, I've never packed up my life and walked away from my home, but I've seen people leave. I, too, have thought about it from time to time. Home is just that, home. Home is where your roots are grown deep. No matter where this crazy ride we call life takes you, remember that home will always be there where you know best.

Go out and chase your dreams. Explore. Adventure. Do what you need to do. This life takes you to unexpected places but just know that eventually, that road will always lead you back home.

"The magic thing about home is that feels good to leave,
and it feels even better to come back."
-Wendy Wunder