Arriving Home

by Nancy Casey

What is “home”? What does it mean to “arrive” there? How do you do that and what does it feel like?” There are only about a zillion different ways to answer these questions, so take a moment to consider how they could apply to you.

Set up your page in the usual way: Draw a line across the top where you can write the title on it when you are finished. Draw a border you can decorate, or set aside some other kind of space for doodling or drawing if you like.

For some people, “home” refers to a physical place with doors and a roof. For others it’s a certain spot in their living space: where they sleep, what they like to look at. Or maybe it’s something to hear. Home isn’t always defined by one’s living space, though. What is it that “puts you right at home?”

People also refer to “home” as a state of mind, a type of attitude or sense of ease. What does it mean to be “at home in your own skin?” Are there things that someone else can do that make you “feel right at home?”

“Arriving home” is often a moment. Or maybe it’s a process. It has something to do with changing from a person who is not at home into a person who is. Sometimes what it’s like to “arrive home” depends a lot on where you have been.

Maybe “arriving” involves coming through a door or getting out of a car. Maybe it’s all about cooking something or sitting somewhere. Perhaps it comes along with the presence of someone else—a person or a pet. Maybe it happens entirely in your mind. “Arriving home” can be something you do or something you observe. It’s the thing that makes someone say to themselves, “Ah, I’m here.”

Begin by letting your mind roam over the many meanings of “home.” Without thinking about it too hard, pick one and start describing it. Explain where it is and how you can tell when you get there.

You might find yourself writing about specific details of a physical place. Or your ideas could center on memories, imagination or feelings. Lots of people switch back and forth.

When you have filled the page, look back carefully over your work. Make small changes if you need to. Doodle around some more with the decorative aspects if you like. A title often pops into people’s mind as they look back over the whole thing.

Write your title at the top of the page. Write the date on the page too, along with a signature or your initials.

Here is an example of what someone could write.

You can share your work by posting it as a comment below. You can type it in, or take a photo of it and upload the image.

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Nancy Casey has lived in Latah County for many years. You can find more of her work here. If you would like some help with your writing, or just some encouragement,  contact Nancy or the Latah Recovery Center.