Home is where the heart is. While I love living in Chicago, there is absolutely no place I’d rather be than Northern Michigan. Lucky for me, I married into a family that feels much the same way; this part of the world isn’t just my ‘happy place.’
I’ve been coming up to the area as long as I can remember. Back then, there were hardly any tourists. I spent hours on the beach reading books (oh so many books), swimming, and spending time playing card games like War with my family. As fate would have it, so did my husband and his family when he was growing up.
Reasons I Love Northern Michigan
In ways, our shared history with the place makes it even more special to us. We started making our own memories here together… especially nearly four years ago when we got married near Traverse City at a beautiful spot named Frog Pond Village.
How we spend our time here feels like it’s changed drastically over the years, mostly because we have a child now. But I continue to always look forward to returning to my ‘happy place,’ the place that inspires, refreshes, and renews me.
Seriously. Just one step outside, taking a deep breath of the fresh lake air, and admiring the stunning view, and I feel like a new person.
So that’s what I’m up to this week. August has been a crazy month. It started with sadness — something that still lingers, as I know it will for some time — as we laid my Grandma to rest. This past weekend I was lifted up and inspired by meeting and learning from some of the top leaders of my company
Now I’m here, in my favorite place in the world. I’m with my husband, daughter, and my in-laws. We’ve only been here a short time so far, but our days are full of laughter, fun, and even — at least when the kids are sleeping — some relaxing.
Everyone needs a place like this in the world. A place where they can just take a time out, take a deep breath, and feel new again. Do you have such a place? And if so, where is your happy place?
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Related reading (aka, some great books about Northern Michigan!)
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The Legend of Sleeping Bear (picture book)
Good Night Michigan (board book)
Tom Lake by Ann Patchett (women’s fiction)
