Years ago, I visited this no-kill cat shelter and saw this beautiful cat. S/he looked so warm and happy; weren’t scared of us or anything at all. I think they felt at home. Look at those cute paws!
It’s so automatic as a child to feel at home. Well, speaking from my perspective, it was. I was surrounded by familiarity and had little to fear or stress over. Although things are not exactly like that now, I do enjoy the freedoms I have as an adult. I have a handle of things and create things in my life that only I can make.
Having lived in a few different places by now, my feeling of home is not always the same feeling. I’ve noticed there’s always a slight difference to each place. I’ve lived in dorms, lived in the city, lived in the countryside, lived in the suburbs and lived away from my home country.
The memories I create for each space are ones I find comfort in. Now, much older, I realize there are a few signs I’ve noticed for places I truly find peace in:
- I have a routine I can rely and depend on
- I enjoy staying in and find comfort on the sofa
- I find myself cooking a lot in the kitchen or at least wanting to
- Unintentionally notice and appreciate sounds from the neighborhood—like birds chirping, buses driving by or people chatting.
- Feeling grateful to have the space in general
- Wanting the space to be calm and surrounded with warmth from either little knick-knacks, personal photographs or words to live by
- I have pride in the space and wanting it to evolve with me—meaning, it’s not just going to be a blank space.
- Sharing the space with loved ones and making memories that I always come back to
- Finding a go-to restaurant in the area and knowing I can depend on it for my cravings
What makes your home feel like home?
