"I wonder if we, specifically those of us who inhabit places with six months of winter, live too inwardly." So actually, not to be *that* person, but there is actually research backing this! People in colder countries tend to be colder, more reserved, and less friendly to people they don't know. I can't remember why it was, but it is a thing :)
I totally believe it! I think there are pluses as well. I've always theorized this is why there is a lot of great Canadian artists. We're forced to be with ourselves and not out boating year-round with wind in our hair!
I don’t get out much but this resonated 100%. Something about leaving our “real lives” behind lets the mortgage and underwater cars not feel like necessities anymore. I supposed it really hit because I ask the same questions - is it possible to feel like this at home?
Oh my gosh, this was awesome and the synchronicities! I am a Maritimer living in Barbados, and my 20 year corporate career ended less than 2 weeks ago. I am part of a yoga community that bridges Barbados, UK and annual European retreats and this August we are going to Portugal and just this morning my yoga teacher sent me her flight details into Porto. (You can find her on Substack - the Long Hold, or on IG Tory Miell Yoga). I am calling this a year of transition with the purpose of cultivating a gift. What does this mean to me? Exploring, trying different activities, taking some energy courses like Reiki and Sacred Geometry- just going day by day and taking it all in. I laughed when you compared Muskoka to Portugal because this year I’m actually doing both! I’ll keep you posted!
I love this. I lived as an expat for 6 years and felt a similar lightness. There's something about being removed from your ordinary that results in the freedom you're writing about. It's hard to hold onto - but writing about it helps!
I was curious about the other side of making a move to a new place as an expat! Did you retain this lightness for the time you were away or does real life follow you?
Great question; I think it probably depends on the location. Obviously real life always follows you to a certain extent; life admin happens wherever you are, and I was the main carer for our two kids so that can definitely bring you down to earth with a bump wherever you are. But if your location and host culture are far enough removed from the day to day you left behind, then it’s certainly possible to retain the ‘living a life less ordinary’ vibe throughout your stay. And to be honest, it’s also possible to retain that on your return home if you try to be consciously aware of how it felt to live elsewhere. At least, it is for me. (Or is it just that my HRT is working particularly well today???).
"I wonder if we, specifically those of us who inhabit places with six months of winter, live too inwardly." So actually, not to be *that* person, but there is actually research backing this! People in colder countries tend to be colder, more reserved, and less friendly to people they don't know. I can't remember why it was, but it is a thing :)
I totally believe it! I think there are pluses as well. I've always theorized this is why there is a lot of great Canadian artists. We're forced to be with ourselves and not out boating year-round with wind in our hair!
Loved this! Thank you for sharing. Every time I have a little doubt about relocating, someone talks about Portugal to draw me back in 💕😂
I am glad to be that person this time! Maybe you'll do it for me next time I am debating!
Yes- I hope so! That’s what friends are for! 🤣
I don’t get out much but this resonated 100%. Something about leaving our “real lives” behind lets the mortgage and underwater cars not feel like necessities anymore. I supposed it really hit because I ask the same questions - is it possible to feel like this at home?
Thank you for this thoughtful comment! I am not sure, but it would be nice if we could.
Hang onto the centeredness of this piece. Lovely work.
Thank you!
Felt this in my bones, the love of a place! The freedom! The mystery rash! Off to convince my husband we need to go to Portugal now, bye!
Love when it makes it into the bones! Ha. Thank you. Do go and do report back!
Oh my gosh, this was awesome and the synchronicities! I am a Maritimer living in Barbados, and my 20 year corporate career ended less than 2 weeks ago. I am part of a yoga community that bridges Barbados, UK and annual European retreats and this August we are going to Portugal and just this morning my yoga teacher sent me her flight details into Porto. (You can find her on Substack - the Long Hold, or on IG Tory Miell Yoga). I am calling this a year of transition with the purpose of cultivating a gift. What does this mean to me? Exploring, trying different activities, taking some energy courses like Reiki and Sacred Geometry- just going day by day and taking it all in. I laughed when you compared Muskoka to Portugal because this year I’m actually doing both! I’ll keep you posted!
Lots of synchronicity here then! Love that. Thanks for sharing and do keep me posted.
I love this. I lived as an expat for 6 years and felt a similar lightness. There's something about being removed from your ordinary that results in the freedom you're writing about. It's hard to hold onto - but writing about it helps!
I was curious about the other side of making a move to a new place as an expat! Did you retain this lightness for the time you were away or does real life follow you?
Great question; I think it probably depends on the location. Obviously real life always follows you to a certain extent; life admin happens wherever you are, and I was the main carer for our two kids so that can definitely bring you down to earth with a bump wherever you are. But if your location and host culture are far enough removed from the day to day you left behind, then it’s certainly possible to retain the ‘living a life less ordinary’ vibe throughout your stay. And to be honest, it’s also possible to retain that on your return home if you try to be consciously aware of how it felt to live elsewhere. At least, it is for me. (Or is it just that my HRT is working particularly well today???).
HRT had me laugh out loud. Thank you for this. I totally get what you're saying, especially about retaining that feeling back at home.
I was hoping and waiting for reflections from your time in Portugal!!!! As always, this did not disappoint. 🔥
Thanks a mill and thanks for reading, Deborah!