My Old Friend, Homesickness

Homesickness. 

That feeling that overwhelms you or sneaks up on you when you least expect it. I have felt it a few times since leaving Australia over seven months ago. When dealing with disgruntled customers or workmates and thinking, “I didn’t come to Canada for this,” “I just want a hug from my mum”. Getting nostalgic over weird things, like hearing my brother’s voice on a YouTube video of himself dancing like a lunatic. We aren’t even that close in general but I started missing him. Dealing with the one-year anniversary of my Nanny’s passing without being around family.

Sitting in my room at midnight, feeling happy but lonely at the same time. Missing my friends back home, particularly my bestie who is pregnant. I’d really like to be there for her and feel her baby kick and give her a hug and tell her I’m proud of her, but for now, that is only going to happen virtually.

I wish I didn’t feel this way. I wish my heart didn’t sink sometimes when I know I am having once-in-a-lifetime experiences over here, but it does, and there is no way to stop it. But we push through it. We go out into the -6 degrees night and hang out with new friends and smile and feel okay. Until our little friend called homesickness creeps upon us again.

Although I don’t get to blog as much as I like to, I think it helps with the homesickness. It lets you write out your thoughts, edit photos and narrate tales of the fun you are having over here. This helps you feel a bit more content with where you are right now.

I am not ready to head home yet. There is still too much I want to see on this side of the world. So even when that nagging feeling creeps in and nags at my heart, I will Skype my mum and dad and move past it. Because this is where I am meant to be right now.

I deal with my old friend, homesickness by surrounding myself with wonderful people who make me feel happy and loved. My friendship circle in Vancouver is the best I have ever had, and I feel fortunate to have met each member. Although my life here is grand and wonderful, I do allow myself to let it out and cry once in a while. Because home is home, and it is okay to miss it. Don’t ever feel bad for missing comfort when stepping out of your comfort zone.

For more information on how to deal with homesickness, I suggest reading these great articles:

• Go Overseas: 26 Ways to Reduce Homesickness

• Thought Catalog: 12 Tricks to Dealing with Homesickness

Remember, homesickness can affect different people in different ways. Just remember WHY you are away from home. Don’t ever apologise for feeling sad, either.