Moving to another country is not a decision most of us make very easily. No matter the reason for the move, there is always a lot to consider. What is its geographical location? Will I like the weather? Will I be able to interact and immerse myself in the local customs and community? Do I, or am I willing to learn another language? Can I afford to live there? Etc, etc……
I believe that ultimately the real question you need to answer is, how flexible am I? What lengths am I willing to go to in order to realize my dream of a better lifestyle for myself or my family.
The key is lies in our Attitude toward any given situation !
We have to accept that wherever we move to is not and never will be the place we all left behind., and as soon as we can accept that we can move forward with peace of mind. I see many people who struggle with this on a daily basis, even after so many years of having lived abroad. In order to move forward we first need to let go of the past and live our lives in the present moment. Its a gift (present) we have been given and should be grateful for every minute of every day! After all, not everyone is blessed and fortunate enough, let alone has the courage to make such a move.
Today I am going to share with you a short story of “Realization, gratitude and Acceptance”, written by a friend of mine.
The following article was Writtten by Hanlie du Plessis on 12 August 2019
We went for a walk this morning, and as we set out, I didn’t know or realize how much my heart would change…
As we walked, I was watching my granddaughter skip along, I saw how she looked at the rocks, leaves and the other little things with wonder and joy. I listened to her talking non stop. And it was as if my own eyes and heart opened. I always loved nature, and the creatures therein, it wasn’t that that changed. I always stopped to smell the roses, so it wasn’t that either.
Then I realized that for the first time in 11 years, I felt at home. At peace. And a joy that I can’t explain blossomed in me, like the abundance of wild flowers blooming everywhere around me.
We lived in China for 8 years, and while it was a wonderful experience, China could never be home. And for the first almost 3 years here in Uruguay, it was home, but it wasn’t… and during our walk I realized why…
I can’t live in 2 countries at the same time. I can’t stand with one leg in South Africa, and with the other in Uruguay. I can’t yearn for ‘home’, and expect to feel rooted here. I realized that I’ll make myself sick in the long run.
And I looked around…
I saw the clear sky, the abundance of greens, the wild flowers bursting with colour and the smell of spring, the bees buzzing from flower to flower, I heard and saw the birds, so many different ones, and a bit later I walked on the beach, and I felt at peace.
The country we left behind is no more. It’s gone, forever. And it is time for me to let go, completely.
Now it was time to embrace my new home completely. I must make peace with the fact that some people will think of us as traitors, it is their prerogative to think that, but I know what I saw in my precious granddaughter during our walk. I know that we are giving her the best chance for a safe and carefree childhood, right here.
Yes, the relocation here wasn’t, and still isn’t easy, but I know the transition will be easier now in moving forward having finally let go of the past.
Thank you Hanlie for sharing your beautiful story with us, and may it be an inspiration to many who struggle with the same or similar issues.
The inner conversations you have with yourself are the most important ones. So make sure your thoughts focus on the positive because those are the thoughts that shape and create your reality.
