The Ushuaia Awakening: Finding Home in the Unknown

Just a moment ago, I stumbled upon photos from my time in Ushuaia last October, and memories of that period stirred ripples in my heart.

Since arriving in Buenos Aires in 2022, apart from short trips to nearby destinations, it was the first time I stayed in another city for a period. This experience could be described as an opportunity to step out of my comfort zone, and at that time, I was struggling to listen to my inner voice genuinely.

However, all these experiences brought me more insights and reflections.

Before coming to Argentina, I was a girl wandering alone. But in Buenos Aires, I found my home, the lifestyle I adore, my community, and everything I long for. Everything felt so perfectly in place as if it was meant to be. During my days in Ushuaia, I temporarily left behind my life circle, friends, tango life, apartment, and the neighbourhoods I was familiar with. This state of being outside my comfort zone made me reflect on the factors that contribute to a sense of belonging.

Firstly, having food to eat and a warm place to sleep is the most basic and essential thing. Cooking by myself makes me feel at home. As long as I have a pot, access to fresh ingredients, and a warm roof over my head, I feel half secure.

And let's not forget the incredibly delicious merluza negra in Ushuaia – so rich, tender, and unforgettable.

Secondly, doing what I love, maintaining creativity, and learning new things. During this time, I wrote a blog post titled "Encounters with My Fuzzy Buddies." This ensured that I continued to produce and think. I learned to cope with my feelings of discomfort.

Hiking into the mountains, time and again, was something I discovered that I truly enjoyed doing. Moreover, nature always provides solace. When feeling lost and wanting to escape, stepping into nature seems like a ready-made choice. It may not give me answers, but it's everything I need.

Greedily breathing in the air, hugging a big tree, sitting quietly and watching the waves crash onto the shore repeatedly, smelling a flower about to bloom, tasting wild fruits, seeing my lips stained with berry colours, drinking water from a flowing stream, listening to my breath, asking myself how I truly feel...

Additionally, amidst nature, I was fortunate to meet new friends. We all made plans to go hiking together even in our limited time in Ushuaia. This sense of connection, these random and wonderful encounters, sharing time – it made me feel incredibly lucky and joyful.

Lastly, love. Everything makes me feel love – for myself, nature, everything around me, even a doggo I met on the street. Knowing that I have the capacity to love, and create love is something that makes me feel secure.

These brief and miniature experiences made me realise how much I had feared leaving BA, but BA will always be here embracing me. I am fortunate to have found my home at the age of 25. Suddenly, I had a sense of confidence because I realised that, no matter whether I leave BA one day or keep staying here, I can construct my life and create my home, maybe also in other places, but this is the question I would leave to the "future me" to deal with.

During that time in Ushuaia, even though I was not alone, I often felt lonely and disconnected. However, I discovered that by connecting with nature, engaging in inner dialogue, and focusing on various aspects of my well-being, I could find the strength and solace I needed to overcome my feelings of isolation.

I found comfort in the simple acts of nourishing my body with wholesome food and ensuring I had a warm place to rest my head. I engaged in activities that brought me joy and fulfilment, such as writing, dancing, reflecting, and exploring new ideas. These pursuits helped me maintain a sense of purpose and creativity, even in the face of uncertainty.

Moreover, I opened myself up to new friendships, embracing the opportunity to connect with others who shared my love for the great outdoors. Despite the brevity of our time together, these connections brought me moments of happiness and companionship.

Above all, it was my relationship with nature that provided me with the greatest sense of belonging and inner peace. By immersing myself in the beauty of the natural world, I found a way to reconnect with my authentic self and discover the resilience I needed to overcome my challenges.

Through these diverse means of self-care and connection, I learned that even in times of loneliness, we have the power to find strength, connection and comfort within ourselves and the world around us. By nurturing our well-being, pursuing our passions, embracing new connections, and finding solace in nature, we can cultivate a sense of home and belonging, no matter where we may find ourselves on life's journey.

---

Thank you for reading me

Hope to see you soon