From Away Back Home: An OFW Mom’s Journey

Leaving was hard. But coming home? That came with its own kind of challenge…
Let me share with you the journey I’ve taken — from the moment I stepped out of our door with a heavy heart, all in the hope of building a brighter future for the people who mean the most to me.
I crossed the bridge carrying only hope and silent prayers, believing that the journey ahead would be worth it. But it was never an easy path. I carried the weight of homesickness every single day. After long hours at work, I’d come home to silence — no warm conversations at the dinner table, no arms waiting to comfort me. Just me. Alone.

Every morning, I’d wake up early and rush off to another long shift. That became my daily routine, far away from the comforts of home. I was lucky to come home once a year for vacation — a month to be with my family again. But 30 days can not make up 335 days of my absence.
When the last five days of my vacation arrived, I’d wish I could stop time. Saying goodbye never got easier. Even after 12 years of working abroad, I’d still cry — as if it was the first time all over again. Because I knew — vacation was over, and reality was waiting.

As most of us would say, you go through so much, but in the end, you come back to where it all started.
And finally, that time came for
me.

When I returned home for good to the Philippines, I found myself back in a familiar routine. I became a full-time housewife again — back to cooking, cleaning, doing laundry, and taking care of everything at home. Most of my days are spent managing the house and looking after our pets.

Slowly, my world started to feel smaller, revolving around the same cycle day by day. At first, I thought maybe this was it — that this routine was all there was for me now. But deep down, there was still a quiet voice — a gentle push telling me not to stay stagnant. Something in me was saying, “Don’t stop here.”

I wanted to keep my mind alive. Because while I was always physically busy with chores, I felt mentally stuck.
Just because I’m no longer working abroad doesn’t mean life is easy now. Being home has its own kind of busy — and yes, it still gets tiring, especially now that I’m in my senior years. The difference is, I now get to do things in my own time, in my own space, and with the people (and animals!) I love most.

Then one day, I found myself exploring social media more. At first, I was just scrolling — quietly reconnecting with old friends and coworkers. But soon, I realized I could do more.

I opened my profile to the public and started sharing little things — simple posts, short clips, casual updates. To others, they might seem small. But for me, it was fun. I was slowly rediscovering parts of myself I’d forgotten.
It wasn’t just about showing off. It became an outlet — a small form of art. Something that let me breathe, express, and reconnect with the version of me I thought I had lost.

That’s when I found Hive — a space that felt warm and welcoming. I didn’t feel the need to impress anyone. I could just share what I love, be honest, and reconnect with myself. It felt like home — the right place to keep going.

Final Thoughts
I may not be working abroad anymore, but I came home with pride. All those long nights, tough days, and silent tears — they were worth it. Looking back, I know now that everything I went through had a purpose. The journey was never wasted.
And now, even in this quieter chapter, I’m still doing something that matters — for myself, for my family, and hopefully, for someone reading this too.
Thank you for reading. 💛
If you’re also slowing down, that’s okay. Take your time. Do what makes you feel good. Enjoy the kind of busy that makes you happy.