Grounding

One of the things I've wrestled with the past month or so is that Fayetteville, NC is now my home.

In 2012 when I left Virginia I convinced myself that I was leaving but would one day return. I think subconsciously I felt I could never really consider anywhere else "home". Virginia will always have a special place in my heart and one day I may return but for today ... I needed to shift my thinking. While I was active duty we moved so many times never really allowed myself to get settled, never got too close to people and always had some boxes in the garage still packed.

This was different. I felt it was time for me to call Fayetteville "home". This was hard for me. If you're from the 757 you know there is a level of devotion that we have to our hometown. I realized by denying Fayetteville its rightful place as my home I was living divided.

(To Read more about the Mural click here:

https://theexclusivepress.com/2024/04/02/well-known-new-york-street-artist-paints-mural-of-hip-hop-artist-j-cole-in-his-hometown/ )

If you've never heard of "grounding" it can be defined as: contact with the Earth by walking barefoot outside or sitting, working, or sleeping transferring the energy from the ground into the body. I heard a pastor, say one day you were made from this earth this earth will refuel you. I believe it. I love walking outdoors, I feel so much energy after I've spent time outside, on trails, at the beach, even in my backyard.

However, this version of grounding is different. I had not grounded myself in Fayetteville as home. I was acting like a visitor. At any opportunity to run back to Virginia I would. I needed to "go home" to be refilled. In actuality, I had to realize I was already home.

By allowing myself to define Fayetteville as home I've begun making community here, learning more about the city and finding love in the hearts of those who call "The Ville" their home. I realized I felt energized at lunch with friend this week because I am now grounded here and I am beginning to allow my roots to spread.

They say home is where the heart is.

I guess I'm bringing my heart to Fayetteville. ♥️