“I am homesick for a place I am not even sure exists. A place where my heart is full, my body loved, and my soul understood.” I am not sure if this place exists on Earth or if it exists only in my imagination. But either way, I long for it.
Maybe you can relate. Maybe you have also felt homesick for a place that might not even exist; maybe you, too, have felt a longing for a place where you are fully seen, valued, and loved
What Is Homesickness?
Homesickness is defined as “a longing to return home experienced by people away from home.” But what does that really mean?
For me, homesickness is feeling like I am living in a place that is not meant for me. It is feeling disconnected from myself and from the world around me. It is longing for a place of belonging, a place where I feel like I fit in and am loved just as I am.
Interestingly enough, research has shown that homesickness is more common among people who are highly intelligent and/or highly sensitive. So, if you are feeling homesick for a place that might not even exist, know that you are not alone. There are others who understand what you are going through.
Why Do We Feel Homesick?
There are many reasons why we might feel homesick for a place that might not even exist. Maybe we grew up in an environment that was rigid and constricting, and we long for more freedom and flexibility. Maybe we have never felt like we belonged anywhere, and we are desperately searching for a sense of connection and community. Or maybe we have been hurt by the people in our lives, and we are looking for a place where we can be loved unconditionally.
Whatever the reason, it is important to remember that our feelings of homesickness are valid. They are real, and they deserve to be respected and honoured. Just because we cannot see the places, we are longing for does not mean they do not exist—in our hearts and in our minds.
How To Cope With Homesickness
If you are feeling homesick for a place that might not even exist, there are some things you can do to ease your pain:
1) Write about your feelings:
Get all of your thoughts and emotions down on paper (or on your laptop). Write about what you are longing for and why it is so important to you. Writing will help to crystallize your thoughts and give them shape and form.
2) Create something:
Use your creativity to build the world or community you long for. Whether it’s writing a story, painting a picture, or making music—let your imagination run wild! The sky’s the limit!
3) Connect with others:
Find others who understand what you are going through— either in person or online—and connect with them on a deep level. sharing your experiences with others will help you to feel less alone in your journey.
4) Be patient with yourself:
Remember that healing takes time and that there is no shame in taking small steps forward. Instead of beating yourself up for not being “fixed” yet, focus on the progress, you have made!
5) Seek professional help:
If your feelings of homesickness are preventing you from living your life to the fullest, don’t hesitate to seek professional help from a therapist or counsellor who can support you on your journey toward healing.
Conclusion:
So often, we find ourselves searching for something that feels just out of reach—a feeling of home. We seek it in others, in places, and in material possessions. But, often times we find that none of these things can truly fill the void within us. The good news is that we have the power to create this feeling of home within ourselves. Through self-acceptance, self-compassion, and love—giving and receiving it. When we cultivate these things within ourselves, we open up the possibility for contentment, joy, and belonging—regardless of our circumstances or surroundings.
So today, let us all take a step towards creating this feeling of home within ourselves…the first step towards discovering (or rediscovering) the peace, contentment, and joy that resides within each one of us.”