It Started With A Question

A new friend recently asked me two really good questions that left me wondering. The first question was "What does home mean to you?" and the second question was "What are some reminders of home here in Memphis/the US?" The more I reflected on those questions, the more I realized that the answer is just one. Today, I would love to share with you some things that remind me of home here in Memphis/the US.

For as long as I can remember, I have loved a good croissant and am always on the search for one. When I find a good one, my face lights up, and I do a happy dance every time I take a bite. For a moment (that's how long it takes me to finish one), I feel at home. I call that exact moment a "home connector." Let's not forget about how the smell of a Mediterranean restaurant takes me back to my mom's kitchen. Yum, yum, yum...

Growing up, my mom loved taking care of plants and would sometimes ask me to help. You can imagine how annoying chores can be at times. Funny enough, since I moved to Memphis, I love spending my free time in gardens, especially during the springtime. One day, while walking through a garden, I came across a plant that reminded me of my mom. I couldn't help but smile and send her a picture of the plant. Who knew that a simple plant would become a home connector? It's fascinating how these home connectors help me to be mindful of the present moment and yet connect me to a sense of home.

An article from Mindful.com defines mindfulness as the basic human ability to be fully present, aware of where we are and what we are doing, and not overly reactive or overwhelmed by what's going on around us. I hope that these connectors will encourage and inspire you to reflect on your home connectors so that we can learn to be more present in overwhelming circumstances.

STELA SINANAJ • ALBANIA

Stela moved to Memphis from Albania in 2018 to complete her studies in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Harding University. She graduated in 2019. In her free time Stela loves to bike, kayak, read, watch sunsets, outdoor yoga, learn about new cultures and cuisines, travel, and spend quality time with international and American friends.