Thursday, July 28, 2011

Cures for Homesickness

Believe it or not, sometimes I have bad days. When I say bad, most likely that means emotional. Yeah, I'm a real person. Not just a pretend blog person with no emotions. For real. Okay, now I'm stalling. Let's get to the tough stuff.


Homesickness is one of those things that just happens sometimes. It blindsides me, or it creeps in over the course of days. You might think that everything is all hunky-dory around here (oh wait, that's just me, huh), but I really do miss my friends and family a lot. Just when I needed it most, one of my good friends sent me a message out of the blue. It was as if she knew how I was feeling today. That or maybe she was feeling a little homesick too. It happens to the best of us. Either way, today was a tiny major homesick day.

This is where I take a moment to tell my parents
how much I love and miss and appreciate them!
Never underestimate the power of love. }

Combine homesickness and searching for a job, in a city where I know just a handful of people, and that might just be a recipe for disaster if you ask me. In my everyone's best interest (happiness is contagious), I pulled myself together enough to get a few things done today that needed to be done.

{ cardigan : anthropologie  |  dress & sandals : forever21  | nail polish : 'My Chihuahua Bites' by OPI  }

It's amazing how a pretty outfit can make you feel slightly less homesick. Plus when you feel good about yourself, you just might lift that chin a little bit higher. If it takes a pretty outfit to make me feel better then so be it. Even ice cream doesn't work all of the time. Sometimes you have to pull out the big guns, like a ruffled flowery dress, bright cardigan, and colorful toes. Jewelry from loved ones doesn't hurt either!


Very special jewelry also helps lift spirits. On top of wearing a fun dress, I wore a gold necklace chain that holds two charms very dear to my heart. Both were given to me as high school graduation gifts. The cherub angel is from dear family friends, and my 8th grade volleyball coach gave me the initial 'A'. Both charms represent heartwarming memories, and wearing them instantly makes loved ones feel closer. My pearl stud earrings and blue ring were passed down to me from my mother. Sadly, I'm not sure if my mom even knows for sure who the previous owners were.

When I think about the love that was poured into these pieces of jewelry, the exact details matter very little anyways. Maybe someone was watching over me today. I'd like to think that my guardian angels made sure to remind I am loved. Special jewelry and loving memories are powerful like that.


After looking back on my day, I realize that homesickness is just a phase. It's nothing that a pretty outfit and meaningful jewelry can't cure. That may sound shallow, but it's actually more about the love that goes into daily decisions. When you carefully choose things that represent thought and love, suddenly homesickness feels a little silly. Love has the power to cure a lot of things; homesickness just so happens to be one of them.

13 comments:

  1. Gorgeous pictures! Sorry you were feeling down today.

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  2. This is such a good post! I can totally relate.

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  3. Aw, Ashley. I think that it's natural to feel this way especially when you're in a new city. I so hope you start to feel better soon.

    Your outfit definitely made me smile! I love the look! So cute :) And I NEED that belt in my life. I REALLY like it!

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  4. A pretty outfit indeed! I want that dress! So sorry you are feeling homesick, no fun! So wish I could come see you! Booo to the economy. Anyway, happy thoughts! You should go beachside. That always made me feel better when I lived on the coast away from home. xoxo <3

    Remember, I am just an email away ;)

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  5. "Combine homesickness and searching for a job, in a city where I know just a handful of people..." - I'm going through the EXACT same thing. It's tough and I totally agree with you. You know what changes my mood? getting a manicure! It may sound shallow too, but so what? We all need to be "shallow" every now and then! Whatever works to make us feel better :) Very cute outfit, btw!

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  6. I love your outfit! I hope you feel better!

    Becca
    http://blondeslogic.blogspot.com

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  7. such a sweet post Ashley :)
    I LOVE the outfit, esp. the dress! I have my chihuahua bites too! Actually, I think I used it all up...keep your chin up and I know you'll find a great job soon!

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  8. Girllll, my motto life is "if you look cute, you'll have a better day. 100% of the time!" You're adorable. I love those colors on you!
    I know all about homesickness. It's so hard sometimes, but you're so right about feeling great when you put thought into the pieces you wear. Love it (:

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  9. These are great pictures, and I agree with everything in this post! Homesickness can be hard.. I love being home and with my family more than anything in this world. And you're right.. love can cure anything!

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  10. You are SO adorable! I'm sorry that you are feeling homesick, hang in there! It will get better. I definitely agree that dressing cute makes you feel better!

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  11. You're not the only one who gets homesick. Happens to me all the time. My parents are three hours away, and my sister and brother are both 8 hours away. Distance like that can really make you miss the ones you love.

    But a pretty little outfit can definitely do a number on your emotions. You look beautiful. Love that floral dress! Family jewelry is always so sweet and sentimental!

    Hope things are better now! :)

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