There’s just no place like home….
Have you ever had that feeling where you know something’s wrong, but you can’t put your finger on what it is? For the past couple of months, I’ve had more emotional ups and downs than ever before in my life, and I came to several conclusions and suggestions for things to change when trying to be my own therapist, but none of them did me any good…
One and a half years ago I moved to Oslo to start working for Opera Software, leaving my girlfriend, family, and most of my old friends behind. In the beginning everything was really hard; didn’t know the city, didn’t know anyone here, and there was lots of new stuff to learn at work. Trying to cope with all this made me neglect the people I left behind, because I needed all my energy just getting into things at work and getting to know the city and the people I work with. I’ve met some great people and made good friends here, but there was still something missing…
This weekend I went home to celebrate my birthday with friends and family up north. The weekend was really eventful, trying to meet and spend time with as many people as possible in just over two days is a huge task, but I had a great time, and it was fantastic to meet Marianne again and spend time with her, to come HOME to my mum’s house and really relax in familiar environments, to meet old friends for a fun party and talk about old times, to meet my family and just feel at home.
When I returned to Oslo sunday night, it suddenly dawned on me… what’s been making me sad the whole time without me really understanding why, is just missing the old and familiar things.. the people I love, the place I know as… home…
Hi Eirik,\r\n\r\nI can totally sympathize with your feelings. I am originally from France where I still have most of my family including two brothers and a sister. \r\n\r\nAlthough I have been fortunate in my career to travel frequently to Europe and to see my family, I wish that I were closer to them now that I am retired and not traveling frequently.\r\n\r\nMy move to the US at the age of 11 was not under my control (my mother remarried in 1950 after WWII).\r\n\r\nEven though I have spent most of my life in the NY area, France is still home…
Hi Patrick,\r\n\r\nThanks for your email and comment. I really appreciate the advice.