Most people do not realize how much their surroundings shape their lives. If we look at our growing and living environments, then we might gain some insights into our individual personalities. We are not separate from nature but shaped by nature.
I was driving into Pittsburgh last Saturday, and I felt completely lost and greatly overwhelmed. I was really grateful for the two friends who were with me and did most of the leading for the evening. Thinking back on this experience makes me wonder how I came to feel so uncomfortable and out of place in a big city like Pittsburgh.
My entire life has been spent in the small town of Mt. Pleasant. My entire family lives within five minutes of each other. I know most of the people at the grocery store and just about everyone that I pass on the street. We never lock doors or worry about being mugged late at night. It is a relatively safe environment.
To make my life even simpler, I don’t live in the actual town. I live in what is known as the borough. On three sides of my house are tall trees with wildlife scurrying all around. We even get deer coming to visit our garden in the backyard. The fourth side of my house offers a wonderful view of the farmer’s field.
We have neighbors who are more like relatives to us than simply neighbors. Any of us would go out of our way to help the other if needed. My closest neighbor Tom never had any children, but he did adopt all of us kids living in the neighborhood. His house was often the meeting point. He even waited at the bus stop for all of us at the end of the day just to make sure we all got home safely.
I grew up in an environment that kept me well protected without me even consciously realizing what was happening. I never had to be suspicious of anyone or guard my possessions from lurking strangers. I am surrounded by wide-open spaces which allow me the privacy to do what I want without having to worry about bothering or offending anyone. My environment has created a nice, secure bubble for my existence. The big city must be outside my bubble which causes me to feel insecure and out of place. I guess I need to broaden my horizons a little.
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I grew up in Kentucky in just such a familiar environment as you describe. My world expanded and changed after I finished my B.A. and I have never quite found a place, or perhaps stayed in a place long enough, to develop that feeling of belonging and home since then. I have lived and traveled many places over the years, but there is a feeling of displacement. There is a certain safety and sense of familiarity in being in the same place. I cherish my experiences of visiting other places but I miss that comfort of knowning where home is too.
ReplyDeleteI suspect that there are many stories already here in your place, stories that will help you see the familiar in a new way. I imagine that will broaden your horizons enough without having to brave the big city (if it makes you feel any better, I've driven in a lot of cities and Pittsburgh is by far the worst - SO confusing and illogical; you definitely need a good map!)
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