Belonging

I am not sure where I belong but I long to belong somewhere. I long to put my roots down and to be able to settle into my own armchair and read a book whilst sipping a cup of green tea, knowing that it is my own place on my own chosen turf and it is the place where people know they can find me. I long to have a home.

At present I am spending some time in my own home country of Britain, the country where I was born and largely brought up, and to some extent I am enjoying being here because of the familiarity and the lovely people I know. But I no longer have a home here, nor do I want one as it is all too expensive and not worth the money. The house prices, food prices, transport costs, it all costs too much to live here and, blanketing the whole place, is a great cloud of gloom and despondency which seems so unjustified when you consider how wealthy the nation is supposed to be. There is a dark mood here. Whereas in Thailand, where I have been spending the past three months, there is a much greater sense of joy, even though it is a much poorer country. For a person with ordinary funds like me, the quality of life in Thailand is superior to Britain. However, that is not where I plan to create my home base. There is an even better place... Italy. For there, I can set up a centre of therapy and well-being and happily pursue my livelihood in a beautiful place and be immersed in European culture and a way of life that is conducive to longevity. What a great opportunity. But I won't forget Thailand; it will still see me in the winter months.

In April, I will return to Italy and follow my heart in the search for the perfect location for a home, where there are mountain streams, green meadows, pure undefiled air to breathe, and wonderful walks to be had. Yes, I long to belong and to find the right piece of turf. And I know that I am blessed with an opportunity to achieve this and finally to be able to say, "this is where I live and where I will die". Not only that, but there I can create a place of welcome where all can come and find peace and inspiration.

Now starts the Chinese Year of the Rat and I wish everyone peace and prospering. And I certainly know what my New Year's resolution is: to find the place where I belong.