Constraint vs. Freedom

"A healthy being welcomes constraint and freedom, the boundlessness of space an the exposure of space" - Yi-Fu Tuan

This quote really struck me today, and though I may not have the same interpretation as others, it means a lot to me.
It's something I’ve been struggling with lately… How much is too much when it comes to being “limitless” and expanding your horizons? Yes, it’s a noble cause, but should you violently reject all that makes you feel safe and comfortable for the sake of trying to find… what exactly?

When I go back to California, I feel safe, comfortable, and pretty much like I belong. More recently I have become scared that by going back, I will never want to leave and let myself explore the rest of the world. For that reason, I had the intention of not coming back for a long time. Long enough for myself to become comfortable somewhere else, so I would not be tempted to go back to California and stay there.

More recently, I’ve realized you can have both, and that it’s just a matter of being responsible. I believe that human beings should allow themselves to expand and learn and grow, and that it creates a healthy, strong, and independent brain. But at the same time, have someplace you can call home. Home doesn’t have to tie you down, but instead acts as a spring board for bigger and better things.

So go out of your comfort zone, try new things, visit new countries, read books and try new ideas on for size. You are free. But at the same time, have a home that reminds you of your beginnings… if anything, a place where you can come back to and see how much you’ve grown since then.