In my last blog post, I wrote about what it means to feel “at home.” This can feel like comfort, confidence, peaceful, relaxed, proud, or anything else to you. “Home” can also mean different things to different people. It can be where you grew up, where you were born, or where you live now. Our definition of “home” can also change throughout different chapters of our lives. Whatever “home” means to you, it’s important we all have an emotional connection to it, and have a sense of belonging in your current situation.
We All Want a Sense of Belonging
As human beings we are social animals. We all have a need to belong to and be accepted by a group or community. Having a sense of belonging to a greater community can improve your mental and emotional health. It can increase your happiness, motivation, self-esteem, and confidence. Having an emotional connection with others can improve the way in which we view the world and ourselves.
But what if you don’t have that sense of belonging? Are you struggling with feeling “at home” where you live, with your current relationships, or in your own skin? There are many reasons why we might not feel like we belong. It could stem from childhood, or it could be a result of recent events. When you don’t have a community or don’t feel “at home,” it can take an emotional toll on us. Feeling that you belong is an important part of our emotional well-being. Feeling “at home” in your current situation can feel like an impossible dream, but know that it is possible for everyone to be happy, comfortable, and safe.
How You Can Feel “At Home”
Being connected to your community and having a sense of belonging are important ways to feel “at home” wherever you are. Some people live where they grew up and are strongly connected to the people around them. Others, like myself, have lived in many places, and have to create a new community and sense of belonging. Here are a few ways you can build community so you can feel “at home”:
Go to therapy. This is an important first step because so many people struggle with feeling like they belong. Consistently feeling lonely or isolated can lead to depression, and it’s important to get help from a professional and figure out why you feel the way you do, and more importantly, what you can do to feel better. There might be other reasons why you are having a difficult time connecting with others or feeling confident, and therapy can help you sort through all of the challenges in your life. Therapy can help you improve your self-esteem and give you the motivation you need to build community and have healthy relationships.
Join a church, organization, or club. Maybe you moved to a new place and don’t know a lot of people. Reach out to a group of people who share your interests. This is a quick way to belong to something greater than yourself and meet new people so you can feel at home where you now live.
Be accepting of others. While it’s good to have friends and family that share your beliefs and interests, it can help you grow and be more accepting of yourself if you spend time with people who are different than you or have different interests and values. You’ll see that when you are compassionate and accepting of others, they will do the same with you.
Share your story. People who struggle with loneliness and having a sense of belonging tend to feed into those feelings by isolating themselves. Allow yourself to be emotionally vulnerable and share your story – of who you are and where you came from – with others. Every part of your life is a part of who you are now, so it’s important to honor your past and how it shaped you.
Are You Ready to Take the First Step?
Therapy can help you find your confidence so you can find your sense of belonging. As a therapist I have been helping people for years feel “at home,” and am ready to help you gain self-confidence, make healthy decisions, and build the life you want. Contact me today to learn more about how therapy can help you achieve your goals.
