The Meaning of Home

We have seen many devastating scenes on our news feeds in the last few weeks.  In Ukraine, families are forced to flee as their homes become ravaged by war.  And closer to home in New South Wales and Queensland floodwaters engulf houses, sometimes right up to the roofline, with occupants forced to take refuge in temporary accommodation.   

Whether in the Ukraine or Australia, when the affected people share their reflections on home, their responses share a similar theme.  They speak of their homes being a place of refuge, safety and security, now torn away.  They don't talk of perfection or grandeur.  This is simply because the meaning of home is far more than a physical object or representation of stature.   

Habitat for Humanity is a not-for-profit organisation driven by the vision of a world where everyone has a safe and decent place to live.  When interviewing recipients of their generosity worldwide, their descriptions of home included- 

• "Only three words; safety, security, stability"- Kathy 

• "A home is a place blessed, where you and your family can be secure, have all you need and share your sadness and happiness.  Where you can help each other as a family". - Honey 

• "Home is the base where everything begins". - Kelly  

Ultimately home is a place of safety and togetherness with those you love the most.   

The meaning for your home is your 'Why'.  When creating a new home or undertaking a major renovation, a powerful exercise is to develop a 'Why' statement.  It is one of the first exercises we complete together in your Home Build Mentoring.  This statement typically reflects the meaning of your future home and becomes the guiding statement for your project. 

'What' you create and 'how' you action your new home may need to change and adapt to align brief and budget intentions, but if all decisions align with your 'Why', you remain absolutely on the right track.