Familiar smells. Your dog's paws scuttling across the floor. Mom's cooking. When the word 'home' comes to mind, we normally think of the places we live or grew up in. But is "home" more than just a place? If we take out the smells, people, and furniture, will your house still be "home?" And what can "home" be classified as? A house? A country? A group with like minded tastes? "Home" can be a variety of things. But the many "homes" of a person give off one thing in common: a sense of comfort.
Growing up as an only child, I got a lot of attention from my parents. In my opinion, it was a bit too much. But I can say that they have always been there for me--through the good times and the bad. My love of learning was instilled from an early age through their emphasis on education. A penchant for cleanliness came from living in a house that was clean as a hospital. My parents and their preferences contributed significantly to who I am today. Essentially, it is through them that I found the things I can call home.
While it has been many years since I have lived there, Singapore is considered home for me. Despite indestructible Nokias being replaced by dainty iPhones and the glimmering Marina Bay Sands standing in what used to be a green field, the spirit of the city-state has not changed. From the emphasis on cleanliness to the efficiency of the subway system, the structure and overall vibe of the country is one that rejuvenates me whenever I visit. It is often said that home is where your family is. With numerous relatives living on this tiny island, I always have a place to give me a warm welcome when I go back. Even though the people living in it and some of the aesthetics may change, a home can be a place where one feels a connection to its vibe.
"Home" can come in different shapes and sizes. And tastes. If we go off the definition that "home" is supposed to be a place where one feels like they can be themselves without worry, then food can serve as a reminder of home. The taste of food can be powerful, evoking strong emotions. For me, a food that would trigger an emotional attachment is orange chicken. Growing up in an Asian household, orange chicken was a dish made for special occasions. My dad's work promotion. Graduations. Family gatherings. Whenever I go to a restaurant like Panda Express, eating orange chicken is a reminder of some of the best moments I had with my family. Through the spice of the chicken, I can feel the warmth of home--even though I may be thousands of miles away.
What are the things that you call home? Think of some places. Objects. Foods. Home can be anything. It can be something recent or from the earliest days of your childhood. If it is something that helps you get through dark times and brightens up happy ones, it can be considered a component of what defines your "home." So if you had a bad day at work or had an argument with a friend, look to the things you call home to get through the worst.
