Welcome to this week’s Five Minute Friday. Our instructions, via creator Kate Motaung: “Write for five minutes on the word of the week. This is meant to be a free write, which means: no editing, no over-thinking, no worrying about perfect grammar or punctuation.” Today’s prompt: PLACE .
When I first started thinking through the prompt “place,” I began feeling sad about all of the wonderful places I haven’t been to recently. Of the fact that our limitations right now (budget, time) are going to keep us close to home.
I thought about the fact that I couldn’t say the last time I dipped my toes in the ocean, about the fact that I may not make it to my “happy place,” New York City, in 2017.
I said to myself, “gosh, you haven’t been anywhere beautiful.”
That’s not a pitiful intention —- but I love traveling and it fortifies me, thoroughly.
My husband and I did spend Sunday afternoon, however, at the coast (about a half hour south of Tallahassee). It was so short it was more of a tease but …. It WAS beautiful. Nature, sunshine, water, reeds, animals. Peace (and the yummy food was a plus too!).
I’m struggling, too, though with a deeper need for place. As I search for another part time job, the first one that would be out of my house, I can barely visualize not being at my dining room table, at the laptop. Honestly, WHAT WOULD I WEAR? More to the point, how would I fit in? It’s easy to get used to talking mostly through my keyboard rather than to people, face-to-face. Conversely, I do miss the day-to-day of office life (even though it had its decided down points!!).
Place is elusive; staying centered calls on us to be confident and grounded.
I wonder where my kids will find their places as life goes on, especially with my daughter graduating from college next year.
This post is part of the weekly Five Minute Friday linkup.
Wife of one, Mom of two, Friend of many. My pronouns are she/her/hers.
Great thoughts here, Paula. It can be so hard to think of how one might fit in.
And NYC? I grew up across the river, in Hackensack.
It can, Andrew. I really could have written for 5 hours — there are so many angles to “place” — physical location, status in the world, on and on. I think the main value (one of them) of these prompts is making us think through the absolute priorities regarding whatever the topic is. // And that’s cool that you grew up in Hackensack. I probably go overboard in raving about NYC and my time there but it made me a different person in some very fundamental ways, and no other place does that, still. // Praying for you, friend.
Oh, NYC is a great place! I think we all need a happy place, may it be a city or a trip to the ocean or just a cup of coffee on the porch. Maybe we just need to create these places close to us. Happy Friday!
Yes, true. Happy Friday to you too!
I love this! I work so well with prompts. I think I’m going to give this practice a shot and see what happens.
Thanks. I do too (on the prompts)! I may not be following the guidelines of the group (because Kate usually provides some context around the one word) but I like letting my mind struggle to pick which use of something like “place” strikes a chord for me at that moment.
This is such a great idea to add to the morning routine.
Thanks! (I do mine late at night, to be clear/honest…but I think mornings are a great choice too!).
NYC is on my bucket list! Glad you got at least a little time away. I’m over in the 62 spot this week.
Oh do it!! Not to say that everyone loves it, but you should definitely find out for yourself. Good luck and thanks for stopping by.
“Place is elusive; staying centered calls on us to be confident and grounded.”
I love that quote from your post. 🙂
I can’t say that I share your love for NYC. I prefer the stillness and quiet of mountains, country, and/or an uncrowded seaside to the hustle and bustle of the city but then I’m a strong introvert and a born country girl. Though I really should visit NYC once before I leave my earthly home. Who knows maybe I’ll be surprised and love it! LOL
Thanks for visiting! Yes, NYC is intense and I think people end up either intensely loving or deciding it’s not for them. There are, surprisingly, some tranquil and peaceful places there, such as Four Freedoms Park on Roosevelt Island; go there if you plan a trip! 🙂