HOME AWAY FROM HOME

Four walls, a roof, some furniture to fill the space; that is what makes a house. A home, however, is when you are able to share that space with the people you love. I have realized that “feeling at home” is one of the best feelings in the world; you feel safe, loved, supported and comfortable. Even after a long day at school or work, or wherever your endeavours take you, you always have that space to return to and you feel lighter again, you feel a wave of relief. This feeling does not only manifest itself from the comfort of your own bedroom or your favourite cozy corner near the fireplace, but from people as well, whether they make up a part of your house or not. I think we all have that one person who comes to mind right away. It could be a sibling, a parent, a friend, a significant other. Not only do we hold them dear to our heart, but with them we can be utterly ourselves; they are our home away from home. And these second homes are not always appreciated as much as they should be. So, this article, this letter, this ode you could say is for you, my person, a light in my life, my home. Now, while you read, think of your person. Dear Person, Since the day we met, I knew we would get along. Not only would we be able to laugh, smile and converse about our daily lives, but something more than that. A relationship of complete and utter acceptance, of transparency and comfort. A connection that will never vanish no matter the time that passes or the distance between us. Through our ups and downs in life, we have found each other time and time again, especially when we needed each other most. So, thank you for never giving up on me no matter the individual adversity we have faced or all the times something could have come between us. As I mentioned before, home is a cherished place where you can escape from the world around you. You are my everyday home, making me feel like I can be exactly the person I am meant to be. No judgements, no second guessing anything I say or do and feeling comfortable even at our most silent. You know when you can sit in silence next to someone and the thought of “oh this is awkward” lingering in the air just doesn’t exist? That is a wonderful feeling because you know no words need to be exchanged to know that you are validated and important. Even though we could happily sit in silence for hours, that would never be possible. You never fail to make me laugh. The kind of laugh that makes your stomach hurt the next day. A mutual understanding of each other: the ins and outs of our minds, our values, our mannerisms and what they mean, an appreciation for each other’s likes, dislikes and choices. Not only have you been that rock for me, allowing me to be as I am, but you continue to shape me as a person, contributing to my journey of becoming my best self. I have watched you work for what you know you deserve, and you inspire me to do the same. You support the paths I choose to take, but you also challenge me to go above and beyond; you believe in me, when I may not. You remind me that I can achieve anything I set my mind to, even if it might take time and hard work. Thank you for helping me keep all my ducks in a row and for being my guiding light when all seems dark and unknown. You’re my person. Not the only person I love, but I will always feel grateful that you’re my home I can turn to when I need to feel like “me” again. Sometimes it can be hard to find your people in the crowds of life and the constant switching of personas can be draining. I know that my authentic self, the self where personas don’t exist, is with you. And sometimes that is all I need. In my most uncomfortable times, with people who make me feel foreign in my own skin, I know you will always be there when all is said and done. I hope I am the same for you too. I think there is something really rare and special about a relationship like this. A two-way street, where we are able to effortlessly give our love and support to each other. With all of life’s uncertainties, you are one of the few things that will always be certain. Thank you. I will always be here for you, as you are for me. Thank you for reminding me of who I am and who I want to be. I owe so much of my happiness to you; you always bring out the best of me and continue to inspire me to do great and be great. And sometimes being great is just being yourself to the core. This is an ode to you. A small glimpse of the appreciation I have for you and all your inner and outer beauty. Thank you. No amount of words could express the unbreakable nature of the bond we share.Love, Emily How did this make you feel? Did one of your people come to mind while reading this? Do you now feel more inclined to reach out to an old friend or a loved one you might not have spoken to in a while? It is a good thing to remind ourselves of the importance of the people we surround ourselves with who make us feel important, safe, loved and supported. And, in turn, we need to treat our people as they treat us. This is your sign to message someone and tell them you love them. Write a letter. Journal about your gratitude for those who build you up and bring out the best version of yourself. Show your person how much you care for them. Small gestures and words go a long way. What can you do today, tomorrow and every other day that will let them know?There are many houses in the world, but there are only so many homes you will have. Treat them well, love them well and never, ever take them for granted. 

Header Image Source: Live Journal