I have created an addiction to Zillow.
Seriously.
I can spend way too much time scrolling through homes, looking at beautiful kitchens, cozy living rooms, mountain views, beach views, and imagining what life might be like in different places.
There’s just something fun and expansive about it.
Maybe it’s because I enjoy imagining possibilities. Maybe it’s because I love beautiful spaces. Or maybe it’s because, like many of us, I’ve always been fascinated by the idea of “home.”
But this week, I was reminded that home has very little to do with the structure itself.
When Life Suddenly Puts Things Into Perspective
Earlier this week, our neighborhood was evacuated because of a nearby fire.
One minute I was working at my desk and going about my normal day. The next, fire helicopters were flying overhead, emergency alerts were blaring from my phone, and firefighters were moving through the neighborhood telling residents to prepare to leave.
It all happened very quickly.
And suddenly, I found myself walking through our house trying to decide what to take and what to leave behind.
Possibly forever.
It’s a strange thing to experience.
As I moved from room to room, I found myself looking at everything differently.
What should I take?
What would I leave behind? Can it be easily replaced?
What truly mattered?
And as stressful as the situation felt, it also created a moment of incredible clarity.
Because in that moment, I realized that the things I was most concerned about weren’t really things at all.
I wasn’t thinking about furniture or decor. And I wasn’t thinking about most of the possessions we’ve accumulated over the years.
I was thinking about my family.
I was thinking about keeping the people I love safe.
And it made me realize something I’ve probably always known, but hadn’t fully appreciated.
Home Isn’t Really a House
Home is where the people you love are.
It’s the place where you feel safe.
It’s where you can relax and be yourself.
It’s where life happens.
It’s where memories are created.
It’s where you gather after a long day, celebrate holidays, share meals, laugh, cry, and navigate life’s ups and downs together.
The house simply becomes the container that holds all of those moments.
As I was processing everything, I couldn’t help but think about the families in Los Angeles who experienced this same situation and didn’t get to come home.
The thought was heartbreaking.
Because it’s one thing to imagine losing a house.
It’s another thing entirely to imagine losing the place where so much of your life has unfolded.
The Gift of Returning Home
Thankfully, after spending one night away, we were allowed to return home.
And I can honestly say I’ve never appreciated our home more than I did in that moment.
Pulling into the driveway felt different.
Walking through the front door felt different.
Everything looked exactly the same, yet somehow it all felt more meaningful.
That evening, I climbed into my own bed and experienced that feeling we all know so well.
You know the one.
When you’ve been traveling and finally get home, crawl into your own bed, put your head on your own pillow, and think…
Ahhhhhh.
There really is no place like home.
I’ve never appreciated my bed, sheets, and pillow more than I did that night.
And it got me thinking about how often we take home for granted.
Most days, we leave for work, run errands, go to appointments, meet friends, and simply assume home will be there waiting for us when we return.
We don’t think much about it. It’s just part of life. But this week reminded me that home is one of the greatest gifts many of us have.
Not because of its size or its location. Or because of what’s inside of it. But because of what it represents.
Safety.
Love.
Connection.
Belonging.
The people we care about most.
Appreciating The Ordinary Things
And perhaps that’s the lesson I wanted to share with you this week.
Sometimes life has a way of reminding us to appreciate the things that have become so familiar that we barely notice them anymore.
Our health, family, friendships, routines…
And yes… our homes.
The ordinary things that quietly support our lives every single day.
Thankfully, this story has a happy ending.
Our family is safe.
Our home is safe.
And my gratitude for both has never been greater.
So this week, I invite you to take a moment and appreciate whatever place you call home.
Whether it’s a house, an apartment, a condo, or a room you’re still making your own.
Take a moment to look around.
Appreciate the people you share it with.
Appreciate the memories you’ve created there.
And appreciate the simple gift of having a place to return to at the end of the day.
Because after this week, I’ve been reminded that home is so much more than a structure.
It’s one of life’s greatest blessings.
Positively,
Deanne
Ps. I’m taking a 3 week break so there will not be a newsletter until July 12th. Until then, enjoy the slow, easy, and fun days of your summer!
