What is “Home”?

The question, “what does home mean?”, isn’t a commonly thought question. Most simply define it as a place they live, a place they reside in. Those words define “home” as an empty shell, as an object of convenience. Though, the word home means much more than that simple analogy. 

A common definition of home is a place that people go for comfort, to rest their body and mind. Home is filled with whatever is needed to calm the body and mind, whether that be loved ones, precious memories, or decorations that appeal to the mind. “Home” doesn’t require certain things to make it a home, just certain thoughts and feelings that make it peaceful for someone. 

Home can also be a much larger existence for someone, rather than a house that they occupy. Home could be a place they hold power over, a hometown that holds many memories, or a vast region in which they have, or want to, explore every part of. Home, in a larger existence, is much more tightly knit. It is more resilient to decay, if something happens, it can repair itself. A single spark can burn down a house, but not a building. It will almost always be there no matter how far they stray from it.

In some cases, home may not even be a place or location, but rather a person. Home is wherever they are. Maybe a family member that they have known their whole life, or a friend who has been by their side through it all. It could even be a group of people. They could be the people they lead, the people they have been surrounded by their whole life, or the people who have always been there for them.

Others see “home” as an idea. Wherever they feel at rest, is where home is. Perhaps they carry home with them in their hearts. Or maybe they are still searching for home, determined to find this so-called idea that brings comfort to many.

But sadly, many have lost their homes. Whether “home” is a person, place, or idea. They lack something, or someone, that should be there to bring them comfort. The absence of home leaves someone feeling rather empty; as if a part of them has been stripped away. Whether “home” has died, left, or disappeared, it is still a tragedy that could take a lifetime to repair for those who rely on it for comfort.

People react differently to such a tragic event. Some simply try to move on without it, some go into denial and tell themselves it is still there. Others try to search for either the absent home, or a new one. Those who search for it or try to move on often face better results than those who go into denial, as do those who end up conflicted and have gotten more attached to “home” in its absence. 

Some people have never had a “home”. They haven’t ever attached themselves to something in order for comfort, which makes someone more independent, but not more happy. Others simply see attaching themselves to something for comfort or peace is useless and unnecessary, though they are likely just oblivious to the benefits of a “home”. 

There are also many who have bound themselves too closely to home, unwilling and unable to leave it. They block out everything and everyone else and base their life around “home”. Though it is important to have one, binding themself to it to the point that their life depends on it can put them in a bad state of mind if it is to leave one way or another as they have nowhere else to go, and no one to rely on. 

No matter if “home” is a place, person, or idea, it is an important aspect to the lives of many who have it, want it, or need it to find peace or comfort in their lives.