The least recognized need of the human soul
One month.
Seven states.
Nine beds.
And one hurricane later we are in Mt. Pleasant, SC where I am writing to you from a beautiful white brick beaut that Zillow tells me is worth $1.4 million. An idyllic suburban home in an idyllic suburban neighborhood.
At one time, this type of house/neighborhood/lifestyle was everything I ever wanted.
And now?
Now. I can’t wait to move on.
Growing up, my older brother Jeremy had a framed quote on his desk from the French philosopher Simone Weil behind which was an image of a massive tree:
“To be rooted is perhaps the most important and least recognized need of the human soul.”
Thanks to years of invading his privacy, fulfilling my role as a pestering pain-the-arse sister, I memorized that little quote.
And since it’s the ONLY quote I’ve ever committed to memory, don’t you worry. I’ve definitely whipped that out a time (or two, or ten) to impress my audience.
Oops. I think I did it again (sing it, Britney!)
Beyond just being in my grab bag of smarty-pants party tricks, I really took that quote to heart.
And I believed wholeheartedly that “being rooted” meant literally staying put in one place. Forever. Just like that tree in the frame.
Well, let me be clear.
My idea was not just ANY roots. I wanted some ROOOOOOTS.
My ideal of “being rooted” meant living in this type of $1.4 million home (what can I say? I like nice things) in the safe suburban neighborhood. Afforded to me thanks to a safe high-paying, white collar job (and decent savings habits). I would make myself more rooted by growing a family and making regular renovations to our lil’ abode - maybe an outdoor sound system one year. A French top oven range the next. What do you think, honey? Should we get it in Emerald Green or Midnight Blue?
We would’ve gotten there, too. But something changed.
Like I said before, you never know until you open the door and walk through. Wellllllll…
We opened that door. On that life. And realized. Something was missing.
Now, I’m shocked to admit that I have a hard time imagining buying a house again. Of settling down or even staying put for a while. Let alone forking over the dough for an outdoor sound system. A French top oven range, though? That one may still be in my future :)
But, perhaps more surprising is my understanding of “being rooted” has shifted dramatically.
It isn’t about staying in one spot forever.
Or even for a year.
It has nothing to do with how expensive the house is, or my mailbox for that matter.
In retrospect, I can see.
It’s always been the same.
That “being rooted” back then — when I was in the safe suburban home in the safe suburban neighborhood, in the safe $500K+ job — and “being rooted” now — living out of a suitcase, sleeping in a different rental every few days, and making $2,000 a month.
It’s always been the same.
It’s always meant…
Waking up next to a man who loves me.
And to dogs who insist you don’t wait another minute to pat them.
Sharing a first cup of coffee with that same man and those same dogs (they prefer a frothy cappuccino, but don’t tell anyone).
Talking about what lies ahead and about what’s already unfurled on this great adventure of life.
It’s a walk in the fresh air.
It’s the feeling of getting lost in a great book or in the mad scribblings of a journal.
It’s having family and friends you can share life’s journey with.
It’s liking the person you are today and the one you are becoming.
Like I said. It’s always been the same.
But, I couldn’t see it. Not like I can now.
“Perhaps the most important and least recognized need of the human soul” then…
What does being rooted mean to you?
Wherever you are. Wherever you call home. Wherever lay your head down at night and lift it up in the morning.
It can be there.
—Lauren
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Whether you're climbing the corporate ladder or looking to develop your leadership skills, this episode offers valuable takeaways for personal and professional growth
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