Every time I moved to another country, I was seeking a way to step outside my personal comfort zone. When I reflected on my life at the time, I often found it filled with routine habits, the same conversations, and the usual places to be or visit. So, I moved. What did I discover? Different languages, climates, arts, and foods. I also encountered important cultural differences in how people relate to one another, how conversations begin, and—most importantly—how I understood my own identity.
I was old enough to remain myself in every country, yet I noticed that certain traits of my character changed when I lived abroad. My personality became more open to conversations with strangers, and my curiosity grew into a spirit of adventure. I was challenging my brain to adapt while strengthening my ability to create new and unexpected connections between ideas. As an outsider, I became more aware of unique details, sounds, smells, and cultural nuances that locals might overlook. I sought new opportunities, took new risks, and welcomed my spirit into a new environment.
At the beginning, the brain often reacts with a rush of dopamine—almost like being in love. Every experience feels wonderful, everything is new, and each moment brings fresh sensations to the senses. During my visits to public places such as libraries, parks, and colleges, every step seemed to expand my knowledge and deepen my admiration for the country.
However, after a couple of months of being “the outsider,” difficult questions may arise, especially for Hispanics and other immigrants. Often, the world is not as welcoming as we would like to believe. Yet the best way to confront negative feelings and emotions—the sense of not belonging—is to use that moment to rethink our own culture and ourselves. It can become an opportunity to focus on humanity, art, identity, and empathy.
I do not want you to think I am naturally flexible, because I am not. But moving abroad has been one of the best exercises I have found for continuing to learn about myself and trying to change what within me needs to be changed.
Let me know where you are thinking of moving? I will give a few tips.
Consuelo