Every time I go on holiday, I come back with the same realisation: I love my normal life. Travelling is exciting—new places, different cultures, a break from routine—but nothing makes me appreciate my day-to-day more than stepping away from it for a little while.

I’m currently in snowy, freezing Toronto, visiting a friend. I’ve been here for about 5 days, with about four or five days left, and while I’m having a great time, I already know the highlight of this trip will be returning home. After just a few days away, I start missing the small things: my own space, my routines, the comfort of familiarity. I love seeing my parents again, catching up with them over a home-cooked meal. I love meal-prepping chicken, rice, and vegetables, getting back into my rhythm. Even something as simple as browsing the discount aisle at my local Lidl for interesting ingredients to turn into a creative lunch excites me more than any foreign cuisine.

But it’s more than just food or familiarity—it’s the life I’ve built. I love going to the gym three nights a week, pushing myself a little harder each session. I love playing squash with my closest friend, laughing through competitive rallies. I love driving my 15-year-old hand-me-down Toyota, with its quirks and rattles, music blasting as I cruise through roads I know by heart. These aren’t just routines; they’re some of the moments that make my life feel full.

While I’m in Toronto, I’m constantly reminded of the value of slowing down and appreciating the little things. Whether it’s walking through the snowy streets or enjoying a quiet moment with my friend, these moments make me more mindful of the simplicity and beauty in my own life. I’ve started to notice how much I appreciate the comfort of my own space, my daily routines, and even the little things like a warm cup of coffee in the morning. Travel, in a way, magnifies these everyday joys, adding a new layer of appreciation to the familiar rhythms of home.

Holidays remind me that I’m not searching for something better—I already have it. I am incredibly grateful for the life I have built at home, and equally grateful that I am able to step away from it for a few moments and appreciate the world around me more.