A Homecoming Turned Battle: Finding Strength in Uncertainty
After over two years of planning, my family and I finally moved back to Lebanon. It was a long-awaited homecoming, filled with excitement and careful preparation. We took our time settling in, making sure everything was ready for this new chapter of our lives. But just as we started to feel at home, the situation escalated, and the area where we lived began to get hit badly. We had to evacuate to a safer location. After a few hectic days and a lot of adjustment, we’re finally settled again.
Every morning, I wake up feeling grateful. We have shelter, work that keeps me connected, and a loving family by my side. I’m constantly aware of how fortunate we are, even with all the uncertainties around us.
These days, I’m mainly working from our “temporary” home, which has its pros and cons. Sometimes I settle in at the corner, and other times I look for a quiet spot on the rooftop or anywhere else I can focus. Occasionally, I go to the office just for a change of scenery—it’s become a small escape, a way to regain focus and reset my mind.
Staying focused has been one of the toughest challenges. For the first time, keeping track of meetings and deadlines feels like an uphill battle, with distractions that go far beyond the usual. More than just staying on top of tasks, the hardest part has been carving out mental space to think creatively, plan, and come up with new ideas. In my work as a consultant, finding the right headspace for strategic thinking is critical, but the constant background noise of uncertainty can make that difficult. However, I’m learning to adapt. Each day, I try to give myself moments of quiet reflection, and slowly, I’m getting better at finding that creative spark even in the midst of distractions.
When I decided to return to Lebanon, I came with a purpose: to give back. I wanted to share my experience with my home country, to make a difference, and to ensure my kids grow up connected to their roots. Despite the growing pressure to leave, staying here feels like my way of fighting and resisting. It’s how I ensure I’m adding value—not just for my family, but for the country. Leaving may be an option, but staying is my choice, a commitment to contribute where it matters most.
Balancing work and family life has required flexibility and focus. My kids are adjusting to online school, and we make sure to keep certain routines in place—meals together, and moments where we just unwind and spend time as a family. It’s not about overthinking the situation, but rather about holding onto small moments of normalcy that help us feel grounded.
At the same time, I’m staying on top of my professional commitments. Flexibility has been key, allowing me to balance family needs with my work. This new way of working has deepened my appreciation for adaptability and focus in the face of uncertainty. Planning and brainstorming for my projects have become daily exercises in finding mental clarity, even if it means taking a walk or simply stepping away for a while.
I’ve also leaned on my support network, from family and friends to my new colleagues, who have become like a second family. Their regular check-ins and genuine support have made all the difference, reminding me that even in tough times, I’m not alone. It’s this sense of connection and solidarity that has helped me stay grounded and focused, knowing that I have people who care and are there for me.
This experience has tested my resilience in ways I never anticipated. Each day brings new challenges, but keeping a positive outlook and focusing on gratitude helps me stay grounded. I’ve learned to appreciate the small things—my morning coffee, a laugh with my kids, or a quick check-in with a friend. These moments keep me centered and help me navigate the daily demands.
Looking back over these past few weeks, I’ve realized just how quickly life can change and how easy it is to take stability for granted. Right now, my focus is on living a basic, normal life—something I now appreciate more than ever. I feel incredibly fortunate to have a safe home, a job, and my family and friends close by.
Life may not look the same right now, but by holding on to what matters and pushing forward, we find our own ways to adapt and make it through. My story is just one of many, but I hope it reminds others that even in the most difficult times, we can find ways to stay strong and keep moving forward.