Roots don’t unfurl in a day, just because you’ve decided you’re “home.”

Photo by Marissa Lewis on Unsplash

“You can have more than one home. You can carry your roots with you, and decide where they grow." Henning Mankell

Four years ago, I made the big leap to move back to Northumberland. I say “back” because I grew up here, but coming home as an adult is different — the light is the same, the wind still blows sand into your hair but the life you left isn’t waiting where you put it down.

Despite the familiarity, it’s taken time for my roots to settle in this soil. I thought it might feel instant — like putting on a favourite jumper. But roots don’t work that way. They don’t unfurl in a day, just because you’ve decided you’re “home.”

When my friend visited recently, she brought a rose from her garden for me to plant in mine. We dug the hole, watered it well, patted the earth. Now I keep glancing out the window, willing it to grow — which might be a tiny bit premature. But that rose is teaching me something: you can create the right conditions — sunlight, water, care — but the main ingredient is time.

It’s the same with building a life here. Alnwick Story Fest I co-founded four years ago was about bringing stories to Alnwick, but somewhere along the way it’s also been about building my own roots. Every event, every meeting, every conversation is another thread in the network of friendships and connections that make a place feel like yours.

Friendship needs what roses need: patience, trust, and the courage to show who you really are. That’s when the magic happens.

Prompt: Where are you putting down roots right now — and what’s one thing you can do to water them this week?

For the next 12 weeks, I’m doubling up on the Heart Leap Writing Hour — every Monday to Thursday, 9–10am (UK). We write together. You turn up with whatever you’re working on, and you’re met by people who get it. You don’t have to explain yourself — you just have to show up.

Come for the writing. Stay for the people.

Here’s the link if if you’re a paid subscriber.

Consider subscribing if you’d like to join our community.