(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) If loneliness takes over in this home away from home Enid Parker has a bit of advice
Recently I moved house for the fifth time since arriving back in Dubai a few years ago. In the beginning there persisted a yearning for the old home in Karama where I had resided with my family for almost three decades before they packed up and relocated to India. It seemed strange to picture someone else living in our flat.
Yes I still refer to it as our flat and will continue to do so even though it’s highly unlikely I will ever live there again. Some things in life just become an inseparable part of you.
Back when I was growing up in Dubai I never once experienced the uncertainty the mild sense of displacement I do now. Perhaps it had something to do with the security of living with family of being part of an institution (school) and of course being constantly surrounded by friends. The fact that Dubai could ever be anything other than home never once crossed my mind.
But returning to the city alone can take its toll on your state of mind. Gone is the warmth that awaits you when you return home gone are the happy voices enquiring after your day the comforting and delicious aromas of your parents’ cooking all now replaced by a cold and empty space filled with the bare essentials needed for survival because what’s the point of buying nice things when you’ll eventually have to shift out soon and try to adjust to a new and strange environment yet again.
Days blurred into weeks of this dull phase. I refused to interest myself in anything and went to and returned from work almost like a pre-programmed robot.
One day I decided to walk past some old hangouts to cheer myself up. One place never fails to elicit a smile. I’d have to be made of stone not to be moved by a glimpse of the old school. It was nighttime and the grounds were probably deserted but just stopping by for a few minutes and glancing at the building from outside locked gates made me feel better. I have no idea why. Maybe it had something to do with the hundreds of memories – funny sad heartwarming inspiring - I associate with this place. Pieces of me would always be here and in all the other places I spent my childhood in. Nothing and no one can take away that sense of permanence.
I realised that I had to stop feeling sorry for myself. This (Dubai) would always be home. And if it felt empty and changed then maybe I just wasn’t trying hard enough.
If you’re a long term resident who feels alone in this city that never sleeps don’t despair.
It doesn’t take all that much to change one’s mood. Don’t let cynicism take over. Get busy with the many activities Dubai has to offer. Meet old friends. Try and make new ones. Inspire yourself. Turn on the radio and let a lively voice or tune cheer you up. Do something for others. Don’t live in the past but do hang on to all those great memories. They’re worth their weight in timelessness.
(enidkhaleejtimes.com)