If you were born in North America, you have been taught that owning a (big) house and lots of things is linked to this ideology of success, achievement or even fulfillment. Living the American dream. “Home” is typically described as a place. One that you fill with belongings.
But in reality, home is where we grew up, surrounded by family and friends, memories and familiar sights, sounds, and smells.
It’s where we feel accepted and loved, and where we can be ourselves without fear of judgment. It becomes the place where we find peace and solitude, a place to recharge and reconnect with ourselves.
In a world that can often feel chaotic and uncertain, the feeling of home provides a much-needed anchor. It’s where we can connect with the people and things that matter most to us, and where we can find strength and support in times of need.
When the whole world stopped in 2020, we came to realize that home is not a place, it’s a feeling.
It is not a physical structure made of walls and roofs, but a feeling of comfort, safety, and security that we carry within us. It’s a feeling that transcends geographical boundaries and stays with us no matter where we go.
Home is not a place that can be found, nor material things that can be bought, it’s a feeling that must be created and nurtured within us.
The idea of home is different for everyone. But for us, the idea that owning a big house and accumulating stuff is what creates a “home” became foreign. We realized that owning more was actually more stress and less freedom.
And let’s’ face it, after the pandemic, we were all on a quest for freedom! (Something “home” had not provided…)
So, we sold our house located in the suburbs of Montreal, got rid of many of our belongings, anything that wasn’t serving us, and moved into a loft in Quebec city in search of a new experience. (In another article, we will share with you how minimalism led us to move from a house with a garage to a loft to finally live with the majority of our belongings in a suitcase and a backpack). Quebec city has just the right combination of people, circumstances, and surroundings to feel at home. It has become one of our favorite temporary home bases that we can rent out when we go Roaming in search of new experiences.
Want to feel at home in Québec City? Quebec City is the oldest city in Canada. Its Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognized for its well-preserved architectural heritage and its European-style urban landscape. The Old Town is characterized by its narrow, winding streets, stone buildings, and historical landmarks, and is a popular tourist destination for its beautiful architecture and scenic views. Quebec is a safe and welcoming city with several charming neighbourhoods, where you will be greeted with a smile and genuine conversation. You can rent our apartments in Quebec city – click here to see availability.
Sometimes home has a heartbeat
Unfortunately, for many people, the feeling of home is elusive, and they may spend their entire lives searching for it, looking for a bigger or nicer home filled with more belongings.
Truthfully, what feels like home to one person may not feel like home to another. But regardless of where it is or what it looks like, the feeling of home is always rooted in a sense of belonging and connection.
So, take some time to reflect on what home really means to you, and work to create and nurture that feeling within yourself. Learn to cultivate gratitude and joy in your daily life, and to appreciate the simple pleasures that bring you happiness and peace. And whether you’re on the other side of the world or in your own backyard, home will always be just a feeling away.
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We are the Mai & François Roamers. We share with you how to harness the power of Roaming to combine travel and work and create a life of freedom and fulfillment.
We would like to hear your comments on this blog: your questions, your ideas, your concerns, your advice, everything! We can’t wait to read you 👇