My Meaning of Home

What does home mean to me? Home is a safe place for me to always be. It’s somewhere I can express myself, and just be myself. It’s my zone to just be. No judgement, no worries. Free. Being in our world is sometimes hard, no matter what amount of privilege you have (or don’t). There are lots of people who have trouble coping with either no good shelter or no home to be in. Lots of people cry themselves to sleep. Or self-scar. Or develop mental health problems. Being treated right matters. Being treated right provides a sense of security, a safe place to be. A home. My safe place to be is a warm, fluffy blanket, coffee in hand, my pug at my side, sitting in front of the wood stove, and my closest family beside me. My closest family are those who treat me right, and use my correct pronouns (they/them). My closest family members are those who accept me for who I am, no matter what sexuality, age, or person that I am. Finding a safe place is hard, even for me with lots of privileges- like a warm house, caring family members, food security, and electricity. Having people in the world who are struggling with these things breaks my heart. I’m lucky to have a roof over my head in a safe community. There are lots of people who don’t- even in my area. Take a walk downtown and you’ll find a homeless person. Every time I see one, I try to help. Change. Food. Water. I wish I had enough money to give them shelter, or food, or electricity, but mostly a home. A safe place to be is something not everyone has, but it’s something everyone needs. A safe place to be.