There are moments in life when we realize just how much something or someone means to us, when the absence is felt so deeply that it’s almost tangible. Missing is a feeling that connects us to what we’ve loved, what we’ve experienced, and what we’ve lost.
The Sting of Longing
I think we’ve all experienced this particular feeling of being away from something or someone we deeply care about… and it can sting… very hard. I’ve personally felt it most intensely when I returned from living alone in the South of Spain after graduating high school.
A Transformative Experience
When I moved alone to Spain last year, I had no idea just how much it would transform me. The people I met were from all walks of life, each with their own unique stories, cultures, and perspectives. It was like the world suddenly opened up to me in ways I hadn’t imagined. I felt free, like I was holding my life in my own hands. I learned more about who I was, what I valued, and what my heart truly longed for. I experienced things I’d never thought possible, from meeting incredible people to exploring new places that made my heart come alive.
The Ache of Returning
But like all journeys, it eventually came to an end. Due to circumstances, I had to return to Belgium. At the time, I didn’t realize just how deeply I would miss everything; the people, the places, the memories. All of it had woven itself into the fabric of my heart. Coming back felt like a piece of me had been left behind. The weight of missing it all is overwhelming, like a heavy stone pressing on your chest. It feels like your body has left your heart behind, as you’re going through the motions without feeling truly complete.
Finding Beauty in the Pain
But here’s the beautiful part: the missing reminded me of how much I truly cared. It made me realize that those experiences, those people, those places, were an integral part of me. The ache wasn’t just pain; it was love, longing, and connection. Missing something is a sign that it mattered, that it shaped you in ways you can’t always put into words. And that’s a beautiful thing, even if it hurts.
Allowing Yourself to Feel
If you’re missing someone or something right now, let it be a reminder of how much you care. It’s a sign of your heart’s capacity for love and connection. And if you think you might be able to experience it again in the future, whether it’s seeing a person, returning to a place, or doing something you love, let that hope be something to look forward to. Life has a way of bringing things back when the time is right.
When the Missing Feels Permanent
If what you’re missing is someone who is no longer with you or something you can never experience again, know that the missing itself is part of how deeply it has touched your life. In those moments, the ache can feel unbearable, but it’s a testament to how much it meant to you.
Reflecting on the Journey
For me, thinking about the memories from my own journey always brings me back to the heartfelt late-night conversations with friends, the warmth of the sun on my face as I explored cobblestone streets, and the peaceful solitude of sitting by the ocean, letting the waves carry my thoughts away.
In those moments, the ache can feel unbearable, but it’s a testament to how much it meant to you. These memories have become a part of me, and missing them is a way of keeping them alive.
How Missing Shapes Us
Missing isn’t just about pain; it’s about growth. It’s about understanding what truly matters to us and how those moments or people have contributed to who we are today. It’s a reminder of the depth of our experiences and the connections we’ve forged. Each feeling of longing connects us to where we’ve been, helping to shape our present and future.
Living with the Ache
Even when the ache is for something that’s gone forever, it doesn’t mean it’s the end. It’s a chance to cherish those memories, to hold onto the lessons and the love that came with them. Missing doesn’t have to be a burden; it can be a celebration of the richness of life and the connections that make it meaningful.
The Human Experience
Embrace the missing. It’s a part of life, a reminder of what has shaped you and made you who you are. Missing is a beautiful reflection of the things and people that made you feel alive. It’s a feeling that makes us human, reminding us of the bonds we form and the places we’ve touched that stay with us forever.
Xx, Rose