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32 days 52 minutes and 17 seconds – that’s how long it took me to get sick. The kids were the first ones, then Tobias started complaining. I thought I’d never be affected. But it turns out: even I can get really sick. I’m not talking about the infamous Bali belly (that one tormented the whole family, too…). I got really homesick. I thought I would never get enough of waking up to the sound of the ocean, of soaking up a different culture, of living in a place where your only mental load consists of picking from the menue and not feeling guilty about others doing your laundry. When we left for our 2-months sabbatical in Indonesia, I thought it would be really hard to board the plane back to Switzerland. I have never been very attached to any place, neither the country I was born in nor the one my Italian bloodline comes from. So I thought being on the road all the time would not take its toll on me. I am sure you know what it feels like to be homesick. We all can probably recall memories from our childhood where we were longing to get back home. But what does this even mean? Maya told me she would hug every single wall in our house once we got back. Tobias was for sure missing his favorite cookies and looking for a chance to rewire some stuff around the house… I was looking forward to drinking tap water, eating whole grain food and – let’s face it – to hand over the responsibility for my kids to other trusted people once in a while. So we had a really soft landing back in Switzerland, experienced the high of living in abundance again (so many toys, clothes and so much yummy food to choose from!) and I even loved doing my own laundry – the first couple of times. This feeling wears off quite quickly and we are now fully settled back into our regular life which will hit full speed once school starts on Monday. But you know what: The moment that most felt like home for me was the one day I spent in the mountains by myself two weeks ago. This was what I was craving for back in Bali: being alone with my thoughts, surrounded by beautiful nature. This feels like home to me more than any house, tradition or personal belonging ever will. Even more than the people I love the most. So, for me home is where I can find stillness with myself – so I can return fully charged to my family, my friends and my life.  (I did the hike from Oeschinensee to Blüemlisalphütte – if you’ve never been there, you totally should go 🙂 What are the first things you miss when being abroad? What do you love returning to and what does home look like for you? Lots of love and enjoy the summer! Tanja This text was first published in my though-letter Tanja’s Butterflies (August Edition 2023). If you are interested in receiving the next editions in your inbox including additional resources such as inspiring quotes, books and more, you can subscribe here. |
