Homeward Bound
Exploring the Intersection of Migration, Healing, and Justice
Truth be told, I’ve grappled with the concepts of “home” and “migration” for most of my life, and these thoughts have become even more prominent recently. Transitioning into a career focused on sustainability and relocating to Europe has unexpectedly stirred up deep-seated emotions and past traumas. I found myself at a vulnerable crossroads, prompting me to seek help through my very first therapy session. It became clear that I couldn’t navigate this journey on my own.
Migration, when viewed from the perspective of a first-world country, often appears as an exciting adventure, a conscious choice to embark on a new chapter. Yet, from the lens of a third-world country, it can feel like leaving behind your homeland in search of a better life, only to discover a different reality outside your own lived experiences.
As a child refugee, moving to another country meant losing the ability to communicate with peers and family members.
In my teenage years, it meant shouldering the responsibility of being my family’s ticket to a better future.
And now, as an adult, relocating to a new country equates to sacrificing time with aging parents, all while uncertain about finding a place to truly call home.
In my journey within the sustainability field and my early advocacy for climate justice, I’ve been overwhelmed by frustration and helplessness as I’ve delved into the stories and histories of others.
It has become increasingly challenging to process the lived experiences of individuals who have endured civil wars, colonization, political conflicts, riots, and natural disasters.
Why? Because these experiences hit too close to home.
Yet, I grapple with the paradox of residing in a first-world country where everything appears relatively stable, where people go about their daily lives without disruption. Instead of simply admiring a beautiful building for its architecture, I find myself contemplating the suffering endured in colonized countries and the countless individuals subjected to slavery and forced labor in its construction.
I don’t have a neatly wrapped conclusion to offer in this article because I lack the answers on how to cope with these complex emotions. However, I do know that I’m not embarking on this journey alone. If you or someone you know is navigating a similar path, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I know for one thing that some of the most beautiful minds and hearts grow from these harsh conditions.
