A few weeks ago we talked about uncomfortable surprises, that go along with expat life. In order to make up for it, we felt obliged to assemble positive aspects people probably do not anticipate in the first place.

Love yourself – treat yourself

What sounds like an advice on how to become an egomaniac, makes a lot of sense when it comes to expat life. Going to a new town has the advantage and disadvantage of being mostly on your own. Whilst this brings some challenges, it allows you to focus on yourself without giving others a sense of disregard. If you feel like you need some me-time, maybe a fresh start will help.

growing (up)

The saying “If you make it in New York, you will make it anywhere” applies not just to the Big Apple, but to anywhere. Expats require to be able to stand on their own feet, and once you have acquired that skill, you will gain the confidence to do it again. We can’t be assured of our capabilities, as long they aren’t tested and managing your life in a foreign city isn’t the easiest of tasks.

challenges

Leaving the comfort of home is challenging in so many fashions. There is the challenge of standing on your own feet, like mentioned above. There are new people and a new environment to get along with and adapt to. There is the challenge of coping with homesickness and feeling alone and forgotten. Life isn’t a joyride – to use a platitude -, but overcoming challenges is what makes us who we are, who we want to become and probably who we shall be. At latest when (if) you return home, you will see, that you are not the same person, who has left and profit from your acquired skills and capabilities.

being able to reduce your needs

Since it is not possible to move your whole well-known world to a new place, it is going to be necessary to reduce yourself to an amount, which can be carried around in a suitcase or backpack. At least on arrival. This reduction to necessities can teach a lot on materialism and what people really need. The reduction may even help to get to know the person behind the possessions a little bit better and straighten out your priorities in life.

horizon, so much horizon

Broadening the horizon is the most obvious thing that is supposed to happen, when moving or travelling somewhere. Besides the evident features of living in a different culture, the view on yourself and your prospects may broaden as well. By being put out of your comfort zone, you will be able to get a look on it from the outside and probably find it a bit too narrow, this need to spread out and seek for experience and excitement is a natural drive and guaranteed medicine against the threats of being too comfortable in your daily routine.

reinvention

When applying for a new job or being on a first date, you hopefully won’t start the conversation by stating your own worst features. Everybody has weaknesses but it is healthier for a happy life to focus on strengths. Going somewhere new is an opportunity to exactly do that, break out of your routine, reinvent yourself and be who you truly want to be, because that is most likely the best person you can be.

memories and all those beautiful pictures

Like with all unique experiences no one can take away the memories from you (and magically the good ones last longer). In retrospective when the past years start to blend into each other, your time abroad will always stand out. Not to mention the wonderful connections you make and potential lifetime friends you will meet. Again in retrospective those photo albums will be treasures of a different time.

source: world of wanderlust