Homebody– someone who likes to be at home; Revels in Local; Sits in a favorite reading chair. Perhaps perceived as “unadventurous”.
Traveler – someone who feels at home wherever they travel. Constantly “out and about”; Explores new destinations; Not around much.
Travelers and Homebodies are compatible. At home we refresh and feel secure.
Which are you? Homebody? Traveler? A little of both?
It’s not lost on me that for many people in the United States and all over the world, living in their own home is elusive. This breaks my heart. Everyone deserves to feel safe with a roof over their head. So please forgive my indulgence about the lucky discussion of having a home or feeling at home when not at home.
Even if you love hanging around your neighborhood (coffee at Steam, trivia at Platte Park Brewery) and you are a fan of your “town” (parks, big skies, soothing mountain views to the west) as a traveler we learn from being away!
Home is truly almost anywhere. It’s a place where your heart is open. With a welcoming demeanor, we can connect with most people. Through this connection we feel part of humanity, a world bigger than ourselves.
It’s possible to feel like we belong, even in a foreign country, where differences are magnified. We only need to remember that each person is a human…just like me. A person in front of me has challenges…just like me. He/She wants to feel safe…just like me. No matter the differences, we’re all human.
How can you feel at Home when in a room full of strangers?
How do you feel at Home When Away From Home?
1. Keep fearful thoughts at arm’s length. How?
- Notice your emotions without letting them hijack rationality;
- Garner relevant information to inform what is true in a situation.
Fear can distort the opportunity for a good samaritan to help you! Be alert yet remain open to the goodness within another person.
2. Utilize a sense of humor and humility, realizing that we don’t know it all. In fact our worldview is limited.
3. Remember your manners. Be respectful of the person in front of you. You’re a guest in their country. Share enthusiasm for the local experience.
4. Find commonality, even if it’s a conversation about the weather.
Each (person) friend represents a world in us,
a world possibly not born until they arrive,
and it is only by this meeting that a new world is born.
-Anais Nin
