Homebird, a life in my enchanted interlude
I’m very able to take pleasure in going out. Before the pandemic, I even loved going to a restaurant or sometimes the cinema with friends, but still every time it comes to stepping outside, I needed a good dose of motivation to actually walk out the door. In the end, I was much more attracted by the idea of staying at home on the sofa, cooking a nice meal and ending the day curled up in front of a good film. I don’t particularly care for the outside world and I thrive inside at home. There’s no place like home, or Home sweet home could be my mantras. And if these phrases exist, I can’t be the only one to like coming back to my little nest.
Myself, at home
Of course, before 2020 and the arrival of Covid, I spent more time outside and my house was my enchanted interlude. This space out of sight when I could finally be myself, drop the mask, be safe and take back control of my world. So clearly, when the first lockdown came, I became this strange girl who didn’t see it as a deprivation of freedom, but as a new-found freedom instead: I was finally allowed to stay at home! Far from the hustle and bustle of the world, I took my time, I took stock, I enjoyed my family in complete privacy, I got to know myself, I finally escaped from the stress and anxiety. So of course, with the lockdown ending, the cabin syndrome hit me. How could I leave this calming and reassuring cocoon?
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A homebird, but not misanthropic
If I’m a homebird, it’s because I feel safer at home than outside. I’m self-sufficient and don’t need the opinions of others to exist, especially as these make me insecure. For all that, I have friends and carry on a long family tradition: if I don’t go out much, I host a lot. I love seeing people, but at home where I feel best, on my own ground. Like before a theatrical performance, I take care of the lighting, get ready, put up the evening decorations and when everyone has left, I close the door just as I draw the curtains. These are all the little things I miss when I have to go out. Outside, I’m no longer the mistress of ceremonies, I become a spectator again, I have less control and I’m less important too.
A question of balance
But love is born of desire and we’re never happier than when we meet up again with those we had to leave for a while. So, if I love my home so much, it’s because I have to leave it too. In life, it’s all about balance and I’d be a hypocrite if I didn’t say that the outside also holds some pleasures. However, if the lockdown taught me something, it’s to be my own driving force and to listen to myself more. I go outside because I want to and (almost) never because I’m forced to or because of peer pressure anymore: “Come on, you’ll see, it’ll be great.”, “Come on, you’re not going to stay at home again.” I've learnt to say no and I select my outings in order to get only the best from them.
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How to be ok with being a couch potato?
Perhaps if we stop using the term couch potato, which isn’t flattering and doesn’t really represent the reality anymore. New technologies, ecological awareness and Covid make it possible now more than ever to assert your true nature as a homebird. The home is no longer a place of inactivity and just a place of rest. Today, at home, we work from home, we create and above all, we reduce our carbon footprint!
So, there’s no need to try and fight becoming less of a homebird. Liking staying at home is a joy like any other. There’s nothing unhealthy or shameful about it, so as with everything else that gives us pleasure and makes us feel good, we assume it, we don’t feel guilty and we enjoy it.
Editor’s note: Everyone has their own vision of happiness! 😊The important thing is not whether you’re a homebird or not, it’s about finding YOUR happiness, what makes you happy and what allows you to blossom. Each to their own, the key is to be in tune with yourself, your values and desires. There’s something for everyone! However, be careful not to confuse “being a homebody” and “being scared of the outside world”. If this is the case, you should turn to a specialist to assess your situation together. |
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