A Sudden Realisation and A Very Surprised Luke

It had been years since I’d set foot in the North, and when I finally returned, it felt like I was reconnecting with a part of myself I hadn’t seen in far too long. So, there I was, still riding the high of my trip, and out of nowhere, I blurted, “I think we should move up North.”

Cue the dramatic pause. 😳

Luke gave me that look. You know the one: the “Are you seriously considering this?” look. To be fair, I do tend to be a bit impulsive. But this? This wasn’t some fleeting whim. Oh no. It felt like something more - a voice deep inside me that kept gently whispering: “You don’t belong down here.”

A Hotel Stay That Felt Like Home

After the challenge, I’d booked myself into a hotel in Chester for the night - and thank goodness I did. I was completely wiped out from lack of sleep and the sheer effort of the climb. I was barely functioning, but that night turned out to be exactly what I needed.

It wasn’t the comfort of the hotel itself, nor was it anything particularly grand. It was the people. Strangers I’d never met before started conversations with me, not in that awkward, "let's fill the silence" way, but in a warm, open, genuine way. They didn’t just want to pass time. They wanted to connect.

Sitting there, half-delirious, chatting with these strangers, I realised how much I miss the Northern vibe. It’s difficult to explain, but in that moment, I felt like I was home.

The Pull is Real

Fast forward to yesterday, and I was chatting with an old university friend who lives in Cheshire. And there it was again - that pull. It’s subtle, like a gentle nudge, reminding me of where I’m supposed to be.

For me, the North isn’t just a place. It’s a feeling. A sense of belonging I’ve struggled to find down South.

That’s not to say I haven’t met some incredible people here. I have. But, if I’m being honest, I feel like there’s an unspoken rhythm to life down here that I just can’t seem to sync with. 

It might sound strange, but every time I talk to someone from up North, it just feels… effortless. No judgement, no pretences - just easy, like catching up with an old friend you didn’t know you had. But I guess that’s because I’m from there, right? To me, it just feels familiar.

A Very South vs. North Moment

Okay, here’s an example that might sound familiar to some of you: Have you ever smiled at a stranger on public transport down South....it can be dangerous! Smile at someone or try to start a conversation, and you’ll often get that look. You know the one - the confused, suspicious "What are you doing?" look. It’s not everyone, of course, but it happens enough that you start wondering if you’ve accidentally broken an unspoken rule. I mean, yeah, maybe I am a little weird, but come on, we’ve all been there... right?

Now, up North? Totally different ball game. Flash a smile on the bus or in the queue, and bam - most people will smile back like you’ve been best friends for years. They might even strike up a conversation! The vibe is warm and effortless. No judgement, no awkwardness. Just a sense of, “Yep, this is where I belong.” 🏡

Reconnecting with Home

If I’m being honest, I think part of this feeling comes from missing where I’m from. It’s been so long since I spent meaningful time up North, and it’s starting to weigh on me. My friend I spoke to yesterday reminded me of the comfort and ease of life up there.

I’m not saying I’m rejecting my life down here (I've got something pretty good - I promise 😊), but there’s this nagging feeling that won’t go away. A voice that whispers, “Go back. You belong there.” 

Plans for the Year

So, I’ve made a decision: this year, I’m prioritising spending more time up North. York, Harrogate, Chester - wherever the road takes me. I want to reconnect with that part of myself.

This isn’t about South versus North or which is better. It’s about recognising where your soul feels at ease and honouring that connection.

So, here’s the thing: have you ever felt that pull to a place? That longing for somewhere that just feels right? I want to hear your story! Drop a comment below (okay, you can’t actually comment here, but hey, shoot it into the void and let’s connect on social media!). Because who knows? Maybe there's magic in finding our way back to where we feel like home. ✨