11 Comments
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Bansi Pattni's avatar

Lovely read Harneek and very thought provoking. I am Indian but I have never been to India so I can’t really call India home even though it’s the land of my fore-bearers. I am a strong believer that home is where love is, the world is your oyster, find your home anywhere you feel loved and welcomed. 😊

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Harneek Chawla's avatar

Well said Bansi, home is where love is 🌸

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Harun Kewa's avatar

Living abroad gives you a chance to explore and learn different parts of yourself. The complex feelings of having been away from your country for so long and feeling like you won’t ever perfectly fit in to your new home are things I can relate to. I guess at the end of the day, you’ve just got to remind yourself that no place is perfect and you’ve just got to make the best of your situation. Great post, Harneek!

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Harneek Chawla's avatar

Well said Harun. Your presence and engagement on my newsletters are deeply appreciated. 💚

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Gargi's avatar

I'm in awe of your writing. I love how authentic and honest you are. I just read one of your newsletters, and I'm still feeling the aftereffects. I'm glad I found you. Also, thank you for recommending me. It means a lot to me coming from you.

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Patrick Muindi's avatar

Thanks for bringing us this Diwali feeling, Harneek. I particularly like this discussion of the evolution of identity. At times the question of "Where's home?" can surprisingly be complex, because one has changed and continues to change.

"Then there is a part of me who is so focused to create a beautiful and peaceful life of herself that the country doesn’t matter." I like this one. Home is where one is at any given point, where he or she has a reason to be. More importantly, home is a state of mind.

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Harneek Chawla's avatar

Hmm I agree with you Patrick, “where’s home?” is a very complex and ever changing discussion because we all are always changing and evolving species. I am glad my words can give you a Diwali feeling. Thanks for being here and reading my newsletter 😊

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Kirstie McKinnon's avatar

I’m glad you’re here Harneek. Thank you.

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Harneek Chawla's avatar

Thanks Kirstie, I hope you are doing well. Would love to meet you someday when you are in Auckland or I am in Dunedin. 🌸

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Harneek Chawla's avatar

Thanks Gargi for your kind words. It really feels good to know that your words touch people’s heart. Thank you for being open and vulnerable in your response to my writing. I am glad too that we found each other 💚

You are very welcome 🌻

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Shreya's avatar

There is so much to love about your writing Harneek. The honesty, courage, and vulnerability. The way you weave your words and feelings together. Sending you lots of "same-expat-feeling" hugs💖

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