finding my center

{Photo from Mom's Instagram @dpw_2012}

We returned from Denver the day before yesterday, and I'm always so reluctant to leave. I can never have enough time with my people. Every minute I'm there I try to soak up those feelings of togetherness and connection and unbridled love.

{from my Instagram @mscharjane}

My people help me find my center. You know, that place in your heart where everything in your life clicks because you've found the center. That's how my people make me feel: centered.

Sitting at the kitchen counter talking with my mom

Driving with my family crammed into the SUV

Snacking on leftover rolls after dinner

Staying up late talking with my dad on the couch

Driving along all those familiar streets

Listening to my sister practice her piano

Going out to dinner at our favorite Mexican place

Kneeling down together in prayer

{screen shot from Mom's IG #obviously}

Watching my son toddle down the hall to my parents' room

Feeling confident in my dad's ability to entertain an 18-month-old so I can go shopping

Sitting down at dinner with just us

Seeing my grandpa and my son meet for the first time

Cleaning up dishes and snacking on dark chocolate peanut butter cups

Knowing that my brother is exactly where he should be

I wish I could find the right words to explain fully the deep emotions I have when I'm with my people. I feel accepted, understood, and known--and centered. I see my purpose more clearly, understand my place in this world. My relationships with my parents and siblings deepen and mature and become increasingly essential to my well being. My people remind me about why I'm here and what I'm here to do. When I'm with them I am so certain about who I am.

Your people may not be your family members. They may be friends or extended family or in-laws. Whoever they are, I hope you have them, your people. Mine mean everything to me.