I live as an expat for nearly 11 years already and have always been grappling with the question: where is home? Each new city I moved to brought with it a wave of excitement and uncertainty. At times, I yearned for the familiarity of my birthplace, searching for that elusive feeling of belonging, but I always felt a stronger pull to explore new places than to remain in my hometown. And I am glad that I followed that pull as iving abroad truly shaped me into the person I am today.
Home is Where You Create It
Through my journey abroad, I discovered that home isn’t confined to a geographical location. It’s a state of mind—a place you create through connections, experiences, and memories. I learned that home can be fluid, evolving with each chapter of life.
Living in different cities taught me invaluable lessons. In each new environment, I embraced diverse cultures, languages, and traditions. I learned to adapt, gaining resilience and a broader perspective on life. All these experiences allowed me to break free from the confines of familiarity and embrace the beauty of diversity. Every place became a classroom, enriching my understanding of the world and deepening my appreciation for cultural diversity.
Lessons from Each City
Maribor, Slovenia
My hometown holds a profound significance in my life, serving as the backdrop for my formative years and foundational experiences. It was here that I grew up, surrounded by familiar streets and the comforting embrace of family. In this environment, I gained a deep understanding of how the world functions, shaped by the values and beliefs instilled in me from an early age. It was in my hometown that I completed my schooling, where I forged earliest friendships and navigated the challenges of adolescence. Here, I experienced the excitement of first love and the profound heartbreak that followed, lessons that shaped my understanding of relationships and resilience. My hometown remains a cornerstone of my identity, a place where my roots run deep and memories linger. However, it was my adventures abroad that fostered personal growth and transformed me into the person I am proud to be today.
Klagenfurt, Austria
Moving to Klagenfurt marked a significant turning point in my life. Despite its geographical proximity to my hometown, this city in Austria sparked a profound transformation within me. It was here that I first experienced the thrill of living abroad and the excitement of exploring new cultures and perspectives. I completed my further education here, delving into academic pursuits that fueled my curiosity and broadened my horizons. More importantly, it was in Klagenfurt that I forged friendships with people from all over the world, each connection enriching my understanding of cultural diversity and reinforcing my belief in the power of global citizenship. Through these experiences, I came to realize that my path was meant to span across borders, embracing the world as my playground and celebrating the interconnectedness of humanity. Klagenfurt will always hold a special place in my heart as the city where I discovered my passion for international living and affirmed my identity as a global citizen.
Cedar Falls, Iowa, USA
"Why on earth would you move to Iowa?" is the question I often hear when I explain that I chose Iowa as my "home" for half a year during my exchange semester. The time that I spent there was a transformative chapter filled with challenges that tested my resilience and determination. Moving to a place so unfamiliar and different initially left me feeling homesick and out of place. However, it was precisely during these difficult times that I learned the invaluable lesson of perseverance. I pushed myself to embrace the unknown, step by step, overcoming obstacles and gradually finding my place in this new environment. Iowa taught me the importance of resilience—to keep going even when things are challenging and uncomfortable. Through perseverance, I not only adapted to my surroundings but also grew stronger personally and professionally.
Rotterdam, Netherlands
My time in Rotterdam was a pivotal period for my career development. This dynamic and innovative city provided the perfect environment to grow professionally and sharpen my skills. However, amidst this career growth, Rotterdam also taught me a crucial life lesson: work is not everything. I learned to prioritize self-care, leisure, and relationships, understanding that true success encompasses both professional achievements and a fulfilling personal life. This holistic perspective on life and career has stayed with me, guiding me towards a more balanced and rewarding path.
Vienna, Austria
Vienna holds a special place in my heart as the city where I spent the longest time abroad until now, over six transformative years. It was here that I experienced some of the best and most painful moments of my life, each contributing to my profound personal growth. I underwent a complete reshaping of my identity, shedding old beliefs and embracing new perspectives. This period of intense introspection and change led me to pivot my career from the business world to a path centered around yoga and well-being. I faced significant challenges and devastating heartache(s), but these experiences strengthened my resilience and clarity of purpose. Vienna was not just a city for me; it was a crucible of transformation, where I emerged more aligned with my true self and decided to dedicate my life to holistic health and mindfulness.
Costa Rica
My two months in Costa Rica were incredibly intense, feeling more like two years in terms of personal growth and transformation. Amidst the lush landscapes and vibrant culture, I experienced a profound spiritual awakening. Costa Rica taught me to love and accept myself deeply, fostering a newfound sense of inner peace and self-worth. I learned the importance of not allowing external factors to overly influence my internal state, cultivating a resilient and centered mindset. This journey illuminated the truth that home is not a physical place but a state of being within me. The serenity and wisdom I gained in Costa Rica have become an integral part of who I am, reminding me that I carry my sense of home wherever I go.
Conclusion: Home is a Journey
My expat journey has taught me that home is not a destination but a journey of self-discovery and growth. It’s found in the connections we make, the experiences we cherish, and the lessons we learn along the way. As I continue to navigate life’s adventures, I carry with me the understanding that home is wherever I choose to create it—a beautiful tapestry woven from memories, cultures, and heartfelt connections.
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