There’s a unique feeling that comes with returning to a place you haven’t been in a while. Whether it’s your hometown, a former office place, or a favorite vacation spot, the experience can be both comforting and disorienting. The familiar sights, sounds, and smells can evoke a rush of nostalgia, yet there’s often an underlying awareness that things may have changed in your absence.
Recently, I gained some unexpected wisdom from my son as he prepared to return to his college campus for senior year. After spending the previous year immersed in various study abroad programs, he shared an insightful perspective on how to approach this homecoming of sorts.
His advice? Don’t assume you know the place anymore. Instead, strive to find a balance between embracing the familiarity of what you once knew while respecting the fact that things may be different now.
This approach requires a delicate blend of openness and humility. It’s natural to want to slip back into old routines and relationships, but it’s crucial to recognize that both you and the place have evolved during your time apart. In my son’s case, he realized that while the campus itself felt familiar and comfortable, half of the student body was entirely new to him – and he to them.
So how can we carry ourselves when returning to a once-familiar place? Consider these ideas:
- Approach with an open mind. Instead of assuming everything is as you left it, cultivate a sense of curiosity. Look for what’s new or different, and be open to fresh experiences.
- Respect the changes. Whether it’s new buildings, different social dynamics, or altered traditions, acknowledge and respect the evolution that has occurred in your absence.
- Reintroduce yourself. Even to old friends or acquaintances, take the time to reintroduce yourself. Share your experiences from your time away and listen to theirs.
- Balance nostalgia with presence. While it’s wonderful to reminisce about old times, make sure to stay present and engaged with the current moment and new opportunities. Seek ways to incorporate your new experiences and growth into your old environment.
- Be intentional. Take a deliberate, planful approach to recalibration and reintegration. Set realistic goals for yourself. Observe the setting with fresh eyes, noting both the familiar and the changed. Connect purposefully with people – both those you know and those who are new to you. This mindful approach can help you navigate the transition more smoothly and make the most of your return.
By adopting this mindset, we can navigate the complex emotions of returning with grace and openness. We can bask in the warmth of familiar surroundings while remaining receptive to new connections and experiences. Ultimately, this approach isn’t just about returning to physical places – it’s a philosophy that can serve us well in many aspects of life. It reminds us to honor our past while remaining open to growth and change, to cherish our memories while creating new ones, and to approach each day with a blend of confidence and humility.
As my son embarks on his senior year, I’m inspired by his wisdom. He’s ready to savor the familiar comforts of campus life while embracing the excitement of new friendships, courses, experiences, and opportunities. In doing so, he’s not just returning to college – he’s stepping into a richer, more nuanced chapter of his life story.
Happy Networking!
P.S. – Speaking of balancing the “old” with the new, today happens to be my husband’s 54th birthday! Happy, Happy Birthday, Marc Hammer! What fun it is to experience both the familiar and the adventurous together. Wishing you many, many more happy, healthy, joyous years – to 125 and beyond! I LOVE YOU!