Y Ddraig Goch

May 1 2025 - Happy Home

Prompt: What is a happy home to you?

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Do I have a happy home? - Yes! Am I always happy in it? - No! Are there times I would pack my WHOLE family up and send them far, far away? - Yes! Do I equally bug the ever-loving crap out of my husband and kids? No - I'm Mary freaking Poppins (practically perfect in every way)! Am I lying to myself about the last point - more than likely, most definitely.

A happy home is something, I think, most of us strive for. It's a place where we feel safe, loved, listened to, and respected. It has very little to do with the materials it's made from or the collection on stuff that it contains. It's the feeling you get with your family or the people you share your space with.

I think it ebbs and flows - like relationships. There are times when it isn't happy. There will be arguments between siblings, parent, spouses, and flat/house mates. There will be times when everything seems empty/lonely. There will be times when it's full of laughter. But none of these things, on their own, make it a happy home. Just like one argument or a good day doesn't make a healthy, happy relationship.

It's also more than picture perfect phots on Instagram or Facebook. Or smiles at the community/work BBQ. It's not superficial and it's not a contest. It takes time and effort and it's the sum of all its parts.