September 4th, 2010
You are Unique
We all have several identities, for example, who we believe we are, who we wish to be, how society perceives us and how we wish for society to perceive us. We are somebody’s child, parent, employee, spouse, friend and so much more. Finding our identity can be quite confusing and when we throw a move in the mix it can sometimes add to the confusion.
When we move from one country to another we can feel a bit misplaced when it comes to identity, especially within the first few months of being in a new place. In our home country we know how to culturally interact with others; we understand the unsaid rules within society and we know what is considered polite or rude. We have an understanding of how to dress, when to dress up and when to dress down. We know what all the public holidays are about and we know how to celebrate traditionally.
In a new country many of the above scenarios can seem unclear and as a result we can question how we fit in to the new society we now find ourselves in. We may label ourselves as outsiders and believe that we will never fit in or be accepted. As a result we might try too hard to fit in, or give up trying all together, through all this effort we can leave ourselves feeling drained and vulnerable.
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Posted in Thoughts
July 13th, 2010
When you have moved to a new country it is not unusual to experience waves of nostalgia. Nostalgia is described as many things, a yearning to return to the past, a desire to return to a country of origin, or a sentimental memory from a previous relationship.
Nostalgia can be triggered by a number of things, a word, a smell, a sight, a picture, music, films, a photo, and much more.
I am sure we have all experienced a wave of Nostalgia at some time in our lives. It usually hits quickly and without prior warning and tends to be accompanied by old emotions and feelings.
Nostalgia itself is not a negative feeling to have; the feelings can be of happy memories from the past and can feel quite exhilarating. Attachment to Nostalgia can however lead to negative feelings.
By attachment I mean becoming so infused with the feeling of nostalgia that you are no longer in the present moment. You may have noticed that when a wave of Nostalgia goes through you that your whole body and mind feels different, often giving a sense of emotional vulnerability. Your thoughts can become entangled with only the past memories and there can be a feeling of no longer being grounded.
If your feelings of nostalgia are of pleasant memories then dwelling on them and becoming entangled in those thoughts can cause a feeling of unease and a want to be back in the past rather than where you are in the present moment.
Dwelling on unpleasant nostalgic memories can also cause a feeling of unease and a want to be somewhere familiar rather than where you are in the present moment.
These nostalgic moments after a recent move to a new and unfamiliar country or state can enhance the feeling of wanting to return home or of feeling vulnerable and can quickly lead to feelings of sadness and unease. Read the rest of this entry »
Posted in Tips
July 11th, 2010
“Walking is good for solving problems – it’s like the feet are little psychiatrists” ~ Terri Guillemets
So once again I find myself writing about walking. It seems I am getting hooked on the subject. There is a good reason for that, walking is healthy in so many ways.
Walking helps to relieve stress which is great when you are preparing for a move or you have just moved. Walking at a good pace gets your endorphins going so you feel great and more energetic.
When you have just moved to a new place, walking around the neighbourhood can create a feeling of familiarity and ease with your new surroundings. When walking you may see things that you may not have noticed while driving.
Walking is great exercise. Just 20 minutes a day is enough if you are unable to find time for any other exercise and the fresh air is good for your complexion.
It is fun to walk with friends; it’s a good chance to catch up while getting exercise that doesn’t seem like exercise. This is also a good way to get to know people, start a walking group with others who are new to the area. Read the rest of this entry »
Posted in Tips
June 30th, 2010
Today I went for a walk with my sons who are visiting me in Australia at the moment. We walked along the beach in the beautiful sunshine while admiring the colour and magnificence of the sea. As we were walking along feeling great about being in such a wonderful environment it occurred to me that I live 3 minutes away from this beach and yet I hardly ever make the time to walk there.
Walking daily is so important for our health and well-being. Walking relieves and prevents stress . Walking is excellent exercise and walking enables us to explore places we wouldn’t normally have discovered.
Today we strayed from the footpath and found ourselves on rocks with the waves splashing against them. My youngest son suggested we stop for a moment and take a deep breath and enjoy the view. So we stood there on the rock just breathing while admiring the beauty around us. Something so simple yet so exhilarating. Read the rest of this entry »
Posted in Thoughts
June 5th, 2010
I know a blog about breakfast may seem a little odd but as I was preparing my delicious tropical fruit smoothie this morning I thought about all the various breakfasts that I have eaten in the countries I have lived in and the countries I have visited.
I started my life in England where oat porridge or toast and jam seemed to be the everyday norm, and at the weekend egg and bacon or kippers. In East Africa bread was a scarcity in the 80’s and I found myself eating Papaya with lime juice for breakfast. In Canada I resorted to packages of various cereals or occasionally yummy blueberry pancakes. In Norway bread was delicious and an absolute must. In The Netherlands I went back to basics with toast and jam. In Singapore I ended up eating crackers with peanut butter. In New Zealand back to basics again and now living in Australia I love my tropical fruit smoothies.
Breakfast is so vastly different all over the world. The French have their croissants. In Asia breakfast is often a savoury meal. The Americans have a vast Varity of egg or pancake dishes. The list of various breakfasts is long and varied ….. Read the rest of this entry »
Posted in Questions
