Reflecting on Routine and Familiarity.
As I sit here, amidst the familiar sights and sounds of Costa Rica, preparing to bid farewell once again and return to Berlin, I can’t help but contemplate the meaning of home. These past two and a half months have been a journey back to my roots, a return to the comforting embrace of familiar routines and cherished traditions. From the familiar corners of my childhood home to the everyday rhythms of life in Costa Rica, each moment feels like a precious piece of my past stitched together with the threads of the present.
But what truly defines home? Is it merely a physical location, a place where we hang our hats and lay our heads at night? Or is it something deeper, something more intangible, rooted in the experiences and memories we’ve accumulated over a lifetime?
Research tells us that routines and familiarity play a profound role in shaping our perception of home. It’s the comfort of the familiar, the reassuring rhythm of everyday life, that anchors us amidst life’s uncertainties. Whether it’s the comforting familiarity of my morning coffee rituals or the soothing cadence of my afternoon walks, these small moments of routine have woven themselves into the fabric of my identity, shaping my perception of what it means to truly feel at home.
Navigating the Complexity of Home
as a Third
Culture Kid.
Defining home proves elusive, especially through the lens of someone like me—a third culture kid (or TCK) whose roots stretch across continents and cultures. Born in the bustling streets of Hong Kong to Indonesian parents, my teenage years unfolded amidst the vibrancy of Costa Rican culture. By the age of 30, I had already called four other cities home, each leaving its mark on my identity. From the languages I speak to the customs I observe, every aspect of my being reflects the rich collage of my upbringing.
dreams are made of.
home I have ever had.
Yet, despite the wealth of experiences and memories these diverse backgrounds have bestowed upon me, I can’t shake the nagging question: Does a “forever home” truly exist? Being a third culture kid is more than just collecting passport stamps; it’s a constant dance between different cultural identities. It’s the feeling of never quite fitting in, of straddling the line between worlds without fully embracing either. It’s the nostalgia of childhood memories mixed with the melancholy of knowing that home—whatever that may mean—is always just out of reach.
Studies indicate that TCKs often grapple with a sense of rootlessness, a feeling of not fully belonging anywhere. It’s a profound emotional complexity, characterized by a longing for connection and a fear of permanence. And yet, amidst the uncertainty, there’s a beauty in the diversity of experiences that define us—a richness of perspective that shapes our understanding of the world and our place within it.
As I stand on the threshold of yet another transition, I find myself reflecting on the notion of a “forever home.” Can such a place truly exist for someone like me, whose roots stretch across oceans and continents? Or is home something more elusive—a feeling, a state of being that transcends geography and nationality?
Exploring the Meaning of “Home”.
Home, they say, is where the heart is. But where exactly does my heart lie? Is it with my family, scattered across the globe? Could it be with my friends, who have become my chosen family in every corner of the world? Is it in the familiar comforts of my belongings, the tangible reminders of who I am and where I come from? Or in the more practical sense – is it simply where I have all my paperwork filed and registered?
with papa.
Perhaps home is all of these things, and yet none of them at the same time. Perhaps it’s the sum total of our experiences, the people we’ve loved, the places we’ve been, and the memories we’ve made along the way. It is a concept as ambiguous as it is profound—a tapestry woven from threads of memory, belonging, and connection. It’s not just a physical space, but a sanctuary where the heart finds refuge. It’s the laughter of loved ones echoing through the halls, the warmth of shared meals, the comfort of familiar faces. And yet, it’s also the intangible—the sense of belonging, the feeling of being truly seen and understood, wherever the heart finds peace.
The Fluidity
of Home.
There’s a certain beauty in the act of putting down roots, of committing to a place and imagining a future there. But just like a plant, our roots can be transplanted, our sense of home ever-shifting and evolving. Sometimes, we outgrow a place, our roots overflowing with the need for new experiences and new horizons. Other times, we find ourselves drawn back to the places where our parents live, where nostalgia and warmth embrace us like an old friend.
And then there are those rare moments, those fleeting instances when we stumble upon a place that feels like home in ways we never expected. A new city, a new country, where the air hums with possibility and every street corner holds the promise of adventure. Is this a potential home, or merely a pit stop on the journey?
There has been a growing trend of mobility among millennials, who are more inclined than ever to seek out new adventures and experiences, driven by a desire for personal growth and fulfillment. This trend has been further accelerated by the opportunities presented as a result of the pandemic, with remote work becoming increasingly common. The ability to work from anywhere has transcended traditional barriers, allowing individuals to explore new places while maintaining their professional pursuits. It’s a testament to the fluidity of home in today’s interconnected world, where borders blur and boundaries dissolve. And as I prepare to embark on yet another journey, I find comfort in the knowledge that home is not just a place—it’s a feeling, a state of mind, a reflection of the journey that has brought me to this moment.
CONCLUSION.
As I prepare to move to and fro between my worlds again, I find myself awash in a sea of conflicting emotions. There’s a bittersweet sadness in leaving behind the familiar comforts of Costa Rica, yet a sense of excitement and anticipation for the adventures that await me in Berlin and beyond. But amidst the chaos and uncertainty of it all, one thing remains constant: the knowledge that home is not just a place on a map—it’s a feeling, a sense of belonging that transcends the boundaries of time and space.
Embracing the fluidity of home fills me with a profound sense of gratitude. I am grateful for the countless places that have shaped me, the people who have touched my life, and the memories that will forever be etched in my heart.
And as I step into the unknown, I carry with me the knowledge that home is not just something we find, but something we create, wherever our hearts may roam.
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