I get homesick more than anyone I know or have ever met. I am a dream chasing young woman attending college a few hours away from my small town and sweet family made up of a loving mama, warmhearted father, and two precious little sisters that grow up more and more as each day passes. How could I not get homesick? I know a lot of people that have recently embarked on new life paths and journeys - whether it be to college or a move across states. Remember that being homesick doesn't necessarily mean that you miss your physical house but that you may miss the people that fill it, the very same people that you love (and also hate, at times) and that love you. I mean really, you have spent your entire lives with these people. Trust me when I tell you that it is totally normal to feel homesick.

You should know that this feeling certainly doesn't last forever. I know from experience that being homesick comes and goes. There have been times where I feel homesick and moments later I feel at ease. Sometimes all that it takes is a quick call to home just to hear a family members voice or a video chat with a sibling just to get a quick peek at their face.

You can find things that ease your mind. Find a diversion! Do something that completely takes your mind off of your family back at home - and remember that this doesn't mean you're forgetting about them but that you're focusing on yourself for a bit. It is totally okay to do this!

I personally feel that our society has lead us to believe that feeling sad isn't normal but IT IS. It is important to express all your feelings. If you're happy, be happy and share that with anyone and everyone. If you're sad, be sad and do what you feel that you have to do in your time of feeling down. Regardless of how you feel and no matter what your coping mechanisms are - know that you are perfectly normal. You should have feelings and you should express them.

One thing that has helped me is sharing with my family that when I am feeling homesick. Every single time I do this, I let out a good cry or have a nice long talk with my parents/sisters and I immediately feel better. Know that they're missing you too and think about how different things must be for them - how lonely they might feel without you. They may not realize that you're feeling this way and they may not want to bring it to your attention if you haven't mentioned it to them first. It's important to be in touch with your feelings, it's important to share them, it's important to know that all of this - every feeling, no matter what it is - is normal.