Living away from home, especially for the first time – perhaps at college or in service with the military – you’ll soon begin to miss aspects of your previous life.  Realize that the absence of the people and places that made you feel loved, safe, and secure can have an immense impact on your frame of mind.  Longing for home is the expression of a longing for the comfort and safety of what you’re used to, including a routine and a sense of social belonging. Like all emotions, the weight of your feelings associated with homesickness will vary. Don’t be surprised by unexpected moments of sadness and longing for home.  These are entirely normal feelings.  Your mind (and your body) is simply reacting to a significant change in environment. Homesickness can have some serious repercussions on your mind and body. Get professional help if you feel unstable or deeply sad. In particular, be aware of increases in the following:  Anxiety. Sadness and nervousness. Obsessive preoccupation with thoughts about home. Whether you just started college, moved across the country for a new job, or have been shipped off on a military assignment, there will be someone you can talk to about the transition.  Even if no one comes to mind, talk to someone you know who has lived somewhere on their own before. Not acknowledging the way you feel can lead to longer-lasting or more severe homesickness. Ask yourself, “What is it that I’m actually missing?”  Consider the possibility that you may simply be missing your old self, and aren’t used to this new version of you that you’re becoming.  New situations often bring to mind some profound self-reflection, and with that, some meaningful realizations that will significantly contribute to your growth and maturity.

Summary: Know where homesickness comes from. Know that homesickness will come and go. Don’t be surprised by the strength of your emotions. Tell somebody how you feel. Reflect.


Non-Restricted firearms are ordinary rifles, shotguns, or combination guns that are not listed as prohibited (see step below for restricted firearms). The majority of civilian gun-owners in Canada have non-restricted firearms. To get this license, you'll need to take the Canadian Firearms Safety Course (CFSC). People can be licensed to acquire a restricted firearm for target practice, target shooting competitions, or as part of a collection. Individuals must be at least 18 years old to get a restricted firearms license. Individuals under 18 years of age can use restricted firearms if they are under the direct supervision of a licensed adult. To get this license, you'll need to take the Canadian Restricted Firearms Safety Course (CRFSC). Restricted guns include:  Most handguns Semi-automatic centre-fire rifles or shotguns with barrel lengths less than 470 mm (18.5 inches). Rifles or shotguns that can fire when their overall length is reduced by folding or telescoping to less than 660 mm (26 inches) Individuals are only allowed to own prohibited firearms if one was registered in their name when it became prohibited. Otherwise, no license will allow you to shoot with prohibited guns. Prohibited guns include:  Handguns that have a barrel less than 105 mm in length Handguns that are designed to discharge a 25 or 32 calibre cartridge (unless being used for sporting competitions) Firearms that are adapted from a rifle or shotgun, meaning they've been sawed, cut, or altered in any way. Automatic firearms
Summary: Get a non-restricted firearms license. Get a restricted firearms license if you wish to own a restricted gun. Figure out if the guns you own (or wish to own) are prohibited.