Home

What's the difference between a home and a house?

The main difference between them is that house is concrete. A house refers to a building in which someone lives. In contrast, a home can refer either to a building or to any location that a person thinks of as the place where he or she lives and that belongs to him or her.

So why does that matter?

As we grow up a home is supposed to be our safe place where our family is. As we enter adulthood a lot of time, effort, and energy is placed on creating a home of our own. So what do you do when it's all taken away from you, when you don't have a home, when you don't feel safe, when you made it out with your life and maybe a bag of clothes?

'Holy shit it sucks and nothing makes sense and the days are long and the sleep is short and everything is upside down and my life isn't my life anymore and I don't know what to do.'

How do you start over?

How do you feel safe?

How do you still function with a logical mindset when nothing is for sure?

So...where do you start...?

You start by reminding yourself that you made it this far. You remind yourself that you are strong and smart and you'll get this. One day at a time. You'll get there, I promise.

What happens when you find that one new thing that makes you feel better and focus on it?

Start your day with it, end your day with it. Once it's a habit add one more thing. Slowly but surely add one thing at a time.

Smile at the sunrise.

Give dogs hugs.

Put a flower in your hair.

Cuddle really hard with your teddy bear or your dog. Talk to it, tell it whats going on; your fears, hopes, concerns, struggles, and victories. The ocean and the trees are wonderful at listening s well.

Cry.

Get it out. You went through so much. You've been so strong. It's ok to be sad and scared and unsure. The less you bottle up the more room you have for the new things you're building. Work on understanding what's going on, work out how you're feeling and what is making you feel that way. When you know what is going on you have more control over it.

Sleep.

Get enough sleep. Give you mind and your body the rest it deserve. When you have bad dreams invite them to leave. Invite your mind to find the positive as it rests. Thank your mind and body for being there for you in these tough times.

Love yourself.

There is not point in getting mad at yourself. It does no good. It only brings negativity Into your life.

Smile.

Even if your soul is exhausted and sad, smile. It makes the world a more beautiful place. And when you smile often people will smile back.

How do you make a home when you're living in unfamiliar places? You start by making your home where you lay your head down. You focus on your resilience and your strength. You are the cornerstone of your new home and it can be made anywhere you choose.

Find that one thing that makes you smile, your dog, teddy bear, or pillow, and make that your home. You can create whatever you want. Make something new and different or create the same thing as before.

Your home can be anything you want.

Own it.

Love it.