Peace of my Heart

I know what you are thinking, " Not ANOTHER post about Halifax."  Well, you'll be pleased to know it sort of is, but not specifically. That's as clear as mud, huh?

I went to a Book Club meeting awhile back and we started talking about various places many of us have lived in our lives. One of the ladies was from the North, near where I lived previously. A few had lived in BC, where I also lived for a bit. Some of them were from the East Coast even, but now live here. Many of those that had lived "away" were from my home town.

What caught my interest from the conversation was that no matter where we originated, it didn't always translate to our hearts' home.

The women from the East Coast? They said they'd never live back there. They were surprised I loved it so much and said that coming from a "big city," I probably liked that it was a bit more relaxed, where they were so happy to have the many cultural events, shopping, shows and activities for their kids.  I, personally, didn't find that lacking on the East Coast but it's all a matter of perspective, right?

One lady was from Ontario but felt like Victoria was where she was meant to be. She said she just felt completely differently in her soul when there. She said she needed the mountains and the water and the weather to feel total contentment.

It's a funny thing isn't it? I guess it boils down to personal aesthetic and priorities and what your experience in  each place resembles.

I've lived in or visited most of this great country-even if just to pass through. I've lived in Kelowna, I've stayed in Victoria, I've driven across from there to Banff, to Winnipeg, to the North of Ontario. I've been to Quebec City and Montreal and surroundings. I've visited New Brunswick, swam at Parlee Beach, did Magnetic Hill a billion times, walked on the ocean floor. I've renewed vows and relaxed completely in PEI. I grew up in Ontario in a beautiful city with tons of green space and amenities and culture and safety.

I'm so happy to be surrounded by my friends here. It's been wonderful getting to be a part of their daily lives, their joys, supported in their sorrows. I wish I could pack them all up with me and take them everywhere my wanderlust heart wishes to travel.

My soul though? (here's the part you were dreading) It's still in Halifax. I can't accurately describe it-and much of those women mentioned above couldn't either. It's just an inner peace, a quietude. It was a sense of "THIS, this is where I'm supposed to be."

I was telling someone recently about my time there and how much it meant to be, how important it is to me to go back, and she answered, "You fell in love with the ocean, didn't you? You're an ocean girl with the wind in your hair. I can totally see it in your eyes."

I guess that's it, and I guess it's written all over my face.

I'm an ocean girl, with the wind in my hair.

Where do YOU feel most like yourself? Is there a place that you feel yourself completely relax and settle contentedly?