Or the art of moving through six different countries.
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I have a passion for exploring, for immersing myself in the magical wonder of discovering new things. A Willy Fog, as they say. 
As an explorer, maps were never really my thing, which meant I chose an unusual path: leaving Barcelona to move around the world, changing countries every now and then. While change can be thrilling, changing countries also felt like a massive earthquake. It meant a new job, a new culture, a new social circle, new surroundings, and a new apartment. I saw many people who never dared to do it because of how daunting it appeared. And during every relocation, I experienced three things: excitement, fear, and grief.
One thing became clear: we all love excitement, but fear and grief are different beasts. In my case, the fascination with living somewhere new and learning something different always overshadowed the other two. That is the reality of change: excitement coexists with grief and fear. It is a melting pot you have to navigate. After six moves, I’ve realized something: the body, heart, and mind ache for the tiniest details of previous lives. Negating that didn’t help. I missed the yoga studio in Amsterdam where I learned the power of silence, the bar in Madrid where free tapas came with every beer, the authenticity of Dublin, the midday walks in the Patagonian forest, and the eclectic nightlife of Buenos Aires, with that German bar offering free pretzels. I had to learn to make space for the new. I might not find another Delight Yoga, but I might find an amazing boxing studio. And with every move, I evolved. It was impossible to bring every piece of my past with me, just as it was impossible to remain the same person. Spanish culture has a spontaneity that has no room in Amsterdam, and Zurich has a certainty that doesn’t exist in Argentina. I had to adapt. I didn’t understand this during my first move. Leaving Amsterdam was messy, leaving Chile was even worse. I eventually learned that I had to accept the grief while acknowledging why I needed the change. I began keeping lists on my phone of why I was moving and why this change was essential. I would return to them every time I hit a 'Blue Monday. Maybe you are going through a big change right now, whether by choice or not. In either case, know this: honoring all your emotions is vital. The anger, the grief, the excitement. Honoring endings is important. Acknowledge everything you learned, the things you loved, and the people you are leaving behind. Endings require love. I am quitting my job now, in a country that is not my own, and embarking on a new journey. It is a necessary change, but like all transitions, it is one that also makes me feel sad, fearful, and even a little angry. So, let them all be welcome. Let them all be understood as necessary. And trust that all the pieces will come together in the end. Next women’s circle is on May 30th in Zürich, where we will explore the theme of Love together. You can book your spot here.  |
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