Elsa A Licumba

Freedom to Belong Elsa A Licumba

Some people migrate and then they can struggle to find belonging in their host nation. And sometimes they then choose to return to their home nation, to a culturally safe space, as a self-protective mechanism. But surprisingly when some return home to their safe place they no longer see themselves as belonging there either. The reality is that, whether they are aware of it or not, cultural transition has already begun to take place within them. Have you ever wondered how to find a way to move and/or be moved from place to place and still be at peace within yourself? Have you ever wondered how you can allow yourself to feel attached to two, three, or more different nations in one same heart and still feel peace? Yes, this is the heart of those who have navigated and found the true meaning of belonging. And you can do it too. Belonging can be found when we have the courage to let go. To let go of our identity being exclusively attached to a nation. To allow ourselves to see the different perspectives of our host nation. To allow ourselves to embrace cultural transition and its challenges. In the end we actually belong nowhere... we belong everywhere. Which means that anywhere on earth can become just an extension of the bigger picture, the universe. And you can be at peace, regardless of the place on earth you find yourself in, as you realise you are a citizen of the world and of the universe.