“Home” is a word that means different things to different people. For many of us, the word has positive connotations, but for others it raises anything but happy memories. In general, many of us view “home” as our touchstone, our first base in a fast paced, sometimes confusing world. Home can be the place where you were born or raised, a new or adopted city or country in which you have found a heart connection, or for some, wherever they lie their head. For me, it is more about the people and less a structure. I can be at home wherever there are people that I love. I guess that it is a purely subjective thing.

If we are lucky, home is where we go to find our quiet center, recharge, find solace or protection, relax, decompress, lick our wounds, contemplate, or to just be. The word means so much for so many people, and this is the time of year that it seeps into our heart and mind. Most of us have a home to go to whether it is among family or chosen family, that is, friends.

If you are reading this post, I assume that you have a safe place to call home. However, in this holiday season, it bears remembering that not everyone has a home, friends, or family with which to enjoy safety and seek comfort. If you know anyone who falls into that category, I ask that you consider extending a hand in a manner that is right for you.

There are many ways to help. Perhaps, you can afford to donate money, volunteer your services at a homeless or freeze shelter, take part in an organization that feeds the homeless, or even invite friends or coworkers who are alone for the holidays to celebrate with you. You can extend the feeling of “home” to others.

May your home be filled with peace, love, laughter, joy, gratitude, and happiness. May you be filled with peace, love, laughter, joy, gratitude, and happiness.