Homecoming Back to Yourself

Fall is one of my favorite seasons. Walking outside is my way to embrace the changing season and create memories. I've taken over 40 photos trying to capture the leaves in all their splendor! To me, the vibrant colors on the leaves -that six weeks ago were green prove that change can be both possible and beautiful.

Among Fall traditions is Homecoming. What is it about going back to where we belong that seems to call us back every year? Wherever your home is, it's so much more than a physical address. Home is also an emotional space where you feel you belong, where you're cherished and loved. I've lived long enough to realize it wasn't like that for all of us growing up. Some things made us change along the way in good ways. Other times, we just adjusted to fit in, so we dimmed our light. Maybe we didn't always feel safe, cherished, and loved. Somewhere along the way, we became distracted at best and sadly disconnected from our true self and purpose. We thought we needed to prove ourselves to be truly accepted. Like we left a part of us at home.

What if we could practice Homecoming back to ourselves this Fall? Like homecoming events in schools, where alumni return to celebrate their roots, Homecoming to yourself can be a transformative experience. It's about returning to your true essence, core values, beliefs, and purpose. It allows you to let go of what no longer serves you, shed unrealistic expectations that don't define you anymore, and embrace new beginnings. It's the courage to embrace your experiences and learn the lessons to integrate them into your life. Being aware of your strengths and your vulnerabilities as a whole to accept yourself unconditionally. Give yourself ridiculous amounts of grace for the process and lavish self-compassion for your journey.

What does Homecoming to yourself look like? Honestly, it's different for everyone. It's just a figurative concept that encourages going inside and finding yourself under all the layers of trying to please everyone. It can be seen as a time to slow down, reflect on who you've become, and reevaluate your priorities. Be honest about what's working, and what's not so you can make the next best choices. Feeling reconnected with who you are and with the wisdom you've housed in you to navigate your days. Some call it God's guidance, divine light, or an internal compass. Whatever it is for you, just being more aware of its presence will bring you home to yourself every time.

How can Homecoming to yourself help you? It's about remembering how it was to be you and being more self-accepting with yourself and less critical from now on. What did you love about you? What gave you joy? What do you miss about yourself? What a gift to feel more at home in your body, mind, and spirit! Letting go of unnecessary stress and focusing on what truly matters. Being open to a new season of opportunities. Finding a balance between your actions and true self signifies congruity and authenticity. Aren't you tired of living someone else's life? Isn't it about time to go home to yourself to a more simple version of yourself?

Does Homecoming to yourself seem hard? It can be, though Homecoming back to yourself, can also heal past wounds, release limiting beliefs, and redeem the memories that still haunt you by recreating the story you tell yourself more positively. You don't live there anymore. In many ways, you've moved on. You're stronger than you seem. You can reclaim that uniqueness you were created to live in alignment with your authentic essence and be more in touch with the sacredness of your spiritual life.

Homecoming to yourself is your gift. Ultimately, Homecoming to yourself is a choice to a profoundly personal and spiritual experience where you find joy, healing, and a profound sense of inner peace. Peace begins with us. As hard as it may seem, you can keep your peace despite what happens around you. Why do I see Homecoming to yourself as a gift? Because it's an aspiration to a life that is true to your soul's calling. A continuous promise you make to yourself to be yourself at any cost. It's also about creating a sense of home within yourself, no matter where you live.

My wish for you. This Fall, take a moment to reconnect with yourself. You do remember your way. Just like we remembered where we lived. Come home to yourself. When you find yourself there, you'll feel an immense sense of joy in being you. When you're there, reflect on how you want to move forward. Every day, we get a new chance to do this. Homecoming is an ongoing process. Be kind to yourself. There's just only one of you!

Will you go home to you this Fall?

All my best,

Maria A. Mansfield

Author and Cert. Life Coach