I’ve decided to open up about this subject after hearing other immigrants. What no one has told you is that life abroad can be very lonely. It’s like I have died and began another life in another dimension. If you are an immigrant you know that I’m not exagerating. It all starts from when you wake up in the morning. The birds that sing are different from the ones that sing in your homeland. The atmosphere, the air, the neighborhood. Then you go out. Probably the temperature isn’t the same. Even if it is, the smell in the air is different. You take the bus? The entrance door, the payment system, the streets are unique. Not only the practical stuff like laws, the rules, the language.
The unspoken social codes are challenging. It takes time and lots of work from your brain to assimilate the new social codes. What to say in each occasion? What to say in Norway when someone has birthday? Do you say you wish good health and a long life? When your boss is ill, do you ask or wait until the person mentions it? It takes time to learn these stuff.
It can feel like you’re apart from the group. Aside. A joke that you don’t get. A reference to a prestigious politician from the 90’s you’ve never heard of. Or a sports hero. There’s a fragility in being an immigrant. In coming from the outside.
“Actually, who am I?” May you ask yourself after trying so hard to understand, even to fit in. Yes, it does matter to fit in. At the same time, you have all the good values that have brought you there: your courage, your education, your childhood friends, your family.
After overcoming the Winter depression that caught me in the first Winter in Norway, I have begun a process to understand myself in this new context. The highlight that motivated me to begin the blog was my birthday party. I had decided to celebrate it my way: with dance, dance, dance. I invited only the closest friends. As I observed all of them seemed to have a great time, not only me. That made me so happy. Realizing that I could be myself. I looked around and saw my friends from Norway, from Colombia, Germany, France, Brazil, UK, USA, and I thought to myself: I’ve been making Norway my home.
I just had to share my founds, information, inspiration with you guys. I’d love to read your comments, questions and suggestions. What else would you like to read here?
And more: now I’ve written an e-book to help you bring your inner joy and keep it. Self motivation, self love, positive mindset. Techniques that work. “How to avoid Winter Depression” is a practical guide totally based on your own personality. Don’t just trust me, see it for yourself. The link is here.
I’ll be waiting for your feedback on the book.