As we get ready to leave the nearest thing to what we call ‘home’ for another 3-7 months, I’ve been pondering…
(actually I pondered this a while ago but have only just got around to writing this)
…what makes somewhere feel like ‘home’ for a LIP?
As far as I can tell, this is what makes somewhere feel like home for me:
- My husband is with me.
- I have my laptop on hand with a fast internet connection to quickly connect me to whomever I choose & help me keep in touch with friends & family.
- Having a comfortable, clean environment with the applicances & equipment we need.
- A fully-stocked fridge of nutritious, fresh food which we can cook for ourselves.
- A small supply of comfortable, clean clothes.
- My “inspiration & ideas” notebook.
- My goal & affirmations card
- A mobile phone
- A couple of choice books (for me, these are You2 by Price Pritchett and usually something else that inspires me)
I have found since becoming a LIP that I have lost my attachments to many material things (although I can get swayed very, very easily by all manner of gadgets & gizmos). But effectively living out of a suitcase for 99% of the time has forced us to re-evaluate what makes us feel at home….
I think it’s best summed up by this…
‘Home’ is somewhere that makes you feel relaxed, inspired, energetic, loved and happy when you’re there.
To everything Lea listed I’d only add a couple more books. I’ve found that’s the one material thing I’ve missed the most since going off again. Books are not difficult to have delivered in most places, but you sure don’t want to cart them around when you’re finished with them. And the cost can add up.
The only other thing to consider, depending on your work situation, would be a suit of more formal clothes. You may need some nice things to wear if you’re working offline somewhere and must go into an office or, if you’re not totally independent yet, seek a job.