the journey to hiraeth

Home – a word that carries a weight of emotions, memories, and aspirations. It’s a term that can evoke feelings of warmth, nostalgia, and even a touch of melancholy. For the longest time, my perception of “home” was entwined with a picturesque image of the house I grew up in. However, life’s journey has led me to realize that the concept of home transcends physical boundaries and is rooted in the feeling of belonging, irrespective of place.

Cherished Memories of the Past

When I think of home, I’m instantly transported to the house of my upbringing, where winters were adorned with holiday celebrations and summers resonated with the sizzling sounds of barbecues. Those walls breathed the love of a close-knit family, and the atmosphere was always charged with the warmth of affection. These memories are indeed precious, and they will forever hold a special place in my heart.

However, as time flowed like a river, change was inevitable. The home that nurtured countless memories now houses a new family. The house still stands, but the echoes of laughter have evolved into new stories. This transition wasn’t easy for me; it meant letting go of a space that had witnessed my growth.

Transitioning to Adulthood: An Empty Apartment

Entering adulthood and moving into my first apartment was a transformative experience. The quietness that greeted me every day was an unfamiliar companion. The absence of the hustle and bustle of a bustling household made me acutely aware of the silence, which at times, felt uncomfortable. I yearned for the familiarity of holiday traditions, for the hustle that accompanied preparations for those special days.

During these moments, the essence of home seemed to be tied to the past. I missed the way things used to be and craved the comfort of tradition.

Nurturing a New Family

Now, as I stand at the threshold of my own family journey, the concept of home takes on a different hue. Watching my own child grow, I’m hit with the realization that the house I imagined for my family is still a distant dream. While it remains a long-term goal, it hasn’t yet transitioned into reality.

At times, a sense of sadness creeps in, triggered by the absence of a place to call our own. I yearn for a space where our family can gather for holidays, create traditions, and weave stories. However, this longing has sparked a transformation in my perspective.

Redefining Home: A Feeling, Not a Place

With introspection and soul-searching, I’ve come to understand that home isn’t confined to the walls of a structure. It’s a sentiment that transcends physical boundaries. Home isn’t limited to the house I grew up in or the apartment I currently reside in. It’s a feeling that accompanies me to various places, manifesting itself in unexpected ways.

The serenity of a camping trip, surrounded by nature’s embrace, fills me with a sense of belonging. The first glimpse of an unfamiliar beach sparks a feeling of recognition – a realization that home can exist in the novelty of new experiences.

Conclusion

The journey of understanding what home truly means has been a poignant one. From romanticizing the past to grappling with the present and envisioning a future, I’ve learned that home isn’t confined to a location. Instead, it’s the comfort of shared experiences, the joy of connection, and the feeling of being embraced by one’s surroundings.

As I continue to create new memories, I’ll carry with me the lessons I’ve learned about the evolving nature of home. It’s not just about where you are, but how you feel – a sentiment that can find its place in the most unexpected corners of the world. Home is not static; it’s a constant journey of discovering and rediscovering the essence of belonging.

I would love to learn about your perspective on the concept of home and the ways in which you incorporate it into your life. Feel free to leave a comment below