Dépaysement

A few months ago I stumbled upon a really cool site (Matador) that has lists of some “awesomely untranslatable words.” I, being the lover of words that I am, cannot resist sharing one with you today!

The word for today is: DÉPAYSEMENT (Dépaysement - French – The feeling that comes from not being in one’s home country.)

Imagine being in a land that is not your own. The people, while friendly, do not look like they do in your hometown, the food is different, the air smells differently, the language is foreign, and the customs are not the same. Morals and values are similar but aren’t quite what you’re used to. You’re living in a foreign land with laws that reflect their way of life and belief system – not yours. Alas, you are there, and it is not home. You don’t know when you’ll get to go home… but do you even want to go home?

I have been dépaysement for a long time. I have not been at “home” in my everyday life. I’m in a place that is foreign to me. I’m existing, but not quite feeling like I’m in my native life land. I’m walking around, doing what I’m doing, but it doesn’t feel like I’m totally in my land. I’m looking for something that feels like home.  I’m trying new things, and contemplating various changes all in an effort to live a life that is comfortable, joyous and gives my inner spirit peace – one that feels like home.  

Finding that sweet spot in my life is still a journey I am on, but at least now I can call it by its name and know what to look for when I do. The people will recognize me as belonging because I act and feel like I belong, the food will be rich, the air will be fresh and love will be abundant. I will be HOME!