6 life lessons learned from living abroad
Hi, my dear readers,
This September 2020 marked one year of living abroad. In hindsight, I remember like yesterday, how I was excited and full of joy and hope when I first came. This beautiful country Turkey which I consider as my second home. Was always and still my favorite foreign country to live in.
In fact, we can say that I handled very well my transition from Morocco to Turkey, since I never Imagined I would stay for 1 year without traveling to my beloved country. But taking into consideration the current situation that the world experience due to COVID19, all my traveling plans changed.
“Everything you can set your heart for you can achieve.” Jihane Bayou
During this whole period of time, through the ups and downs, the hustle, and the bustling spirit of this metropole city. I learned many lessons, I choose to share 6of them to inspire you, my dear readers.
1-Staying strong and resilient
Moving out to a new country, and especially living in Istanbul is a real school of life. Always you learn and experience something new. By encountering eye-opening moments. Often, some AHA moments.
Each challenging moment is a great opportunity to discover yourself. To embrace your real you, without any attachments. While releasing the limiting-self beliefs generated in the past. We become stronger and more independent in face of adversity. Which contributes to our growth mentally and soulfully.
2-Solitude is power
Solitude is a great time for reflection, self-awareness, and self-actualization. Do not fear those slow lonely moments. They’re the building blocks to build a stronger soul. I noticed the preponderance of solitude once I started living far away from my family. Sometimes, is all that our souls need to have.
Alone time made me also realize how family plays a major role in our life. They’re the most beautiful gift God gives us.
3-Change is not scary
Change may seem scary, but it is the only constant. Changing, in general, makes us see things from a different perspective, makes us update ourselves like a computer. Updating our beliefs, values, habits, and personality traits. In a nutshell, it shouldn’t be resisted, but embraced.
4-Breathing is the solution for everything
You will tell me what breathing has to do with living abroad. Actually, it has a lot of relevance. Living abroad or even moving to a new city isn’t always easy sometimes you will have some meltdown moments. What will save you is taking a moment to breathe intentionally and slowly.
Breathing makes me stay grounded and present at the moment. Taking each breath remind us we are still alive, in a good health which increases our gratitude towards all the gifts God has given to us. While breathing, daily affirmations are a great way to reinforce our strength and a positive mindset. I always remind myself, that I got this, and that I’m full of positive energy…
5-Enjoying each moment
Is part of caring about ourselves. Slowing down, sitting, and feeling the breeze and the winds that touch my skin, while contemplating a breathtaking scenery view. Is one of my favorite moments. Enjoying sipping a Turkish cup of tea while reading a book. Baking a sweet and preparing a meal is a joyful time for me. All of these little things and other ones make me the happiest person!
6-Moving is health
While I was living with my family, I was in a comfort zone, no matter what I do I always felt that I need to be independent by living abroad.
Now, being always on the run for running errands, as well as having responsibilities and daily duties often makes me feel exhausted but the weird thing is that at the same time is a source of energy, I feel much better moving than staying on the couch at home. I’ve written about this before in a social media post.
“In this beautiful city, we may feel a little tired of running around at the end of the day. But what is life after all? We are created for an active lifestyle. We came to this world to move and do good. My Istanbul, with the ups and downs of your day, traffic noise, the scent of your grandiose sea, and the sounds of your seagulls. I love you”.
Inspiringly yours,
Jihane Bayou.
