I just took a bit of time to reread my previous well-expat checkups. It seems I started each one by saying "I can't believe it's already been x months!" And now I will say it again. I can't believe it's been a year. Things have certainly changed.
I've been mulling over this post for weeks, wondering what on earth I had to say. Life just feels normal now. Well, as normal as life can ever really feel. The newness and challenge of the transition has settled into a regular routine. I just happen to live in London.
All of the things that were so scary at first are just a part of everyday existence. I go shopping, to the nail and hair salon. I ride the bus and tube to work everyday. I know those things shouldn't be scary, but they really were. Seriously.
Once I started working and had to just get on with it, I've stopped being so self-conscious about being an American. I'm on a team of 14 and only 2 of them are Brits. Everyone speaks with some accent or another. I find people to be very friendly and accepting. I've relaxed into myself again which feels good.
Sure I still miss iced tea and TexMex like crazy! I haven't driven in over a year. And now that we are settled in the hardest part, by far, is being away from family and friends. I don't think that will ever get easier. Being homesick is just a garment that I wear everyday.
Of course, I can't post a check-up without mentioning the WEATHER. It's really not that bad at all. It rains sometimes, but it rarely really pours. And yeah, it's cold. Uhm. It's winter. But, the thing that I have really, really struggled with is the darkness. At its worst, darkness arrived before 4pm. We are over the hump and each day is getting longer. And I know that in a few months, daylight will last late into the evening. So it all balances out. But, the darkness and how it affects me was not something I was really prepared for.
Now that we are both working, there is less time for exploring and more time for the mundane. That can be a little annoying. Ah, to be independently wealthy. And I think the very last piece of the puzzle is the social aspect. We are now starting to develop some great new friendships. I'm really looking forward to that part of life blossoming in the next year.
Looking back over the past year brings mixed emotions. I think there are things that I probably could have handled better. That whole Patience issue that I have has certainly been on display. I also think I could have been a little braver and more self-confident. It's easy to underestimate what you're capable of when you are faced with new challenges. There are times when I was a bit of a wuss.
But, I'm also really proud that we made the leap. I haven't had any doubts about the decision. This move has challenged and changed me. I'm definitely a different person now. And I'm really looking forward to the next phase. It's exciting to be on the other side of it and looking ahead to see what's next.
Lastly, I have to express my heartfelt gratitude to those of you who read this blog. I reread all of the comments and encouragement you gave me after my expat check-ups. There are several of you that have been encouraging me through this whole year. Thank you so much for taking the time to reach out.
I've said it before and I will continue to say that it means the world to me. I appreciate every single comment. It's made all the difference.
xoxo
Selena
The photos are from our recent Switzerland/Austria Trip. I'll be sharing a lot more in the next week or so. One of the best trips we've taken so far.
