Expat Life Tips Abroad: Living in the in between

Living in the in between

Something happens, once you decide you don’t want to stay in your native country and you’ve chosen your true country. You enter this in between state. You will always have the parts of you that are your native country, your culture, the ingrained habits you were raised with, and the stereotypes people like to comment to (such as alcoholic English people!). However, you also start to take on parts of the new culture, the traditions, events, specific cultural moments and phrases, these all help define who you are. But, you will never be able to be fully one or the other ever again. You have to learn to live in the space in which, in my instance, i’m not quite British any more but im also not Spanish, even if i get a Spanish passport. So if im not Britsh and Im not Spanish, what am i?Well that is the answer, I am both and that is beautiful.Rather than be fully one or the other, I get to pick and chose the best parts of both cultures to enjoy, and I get to celebrate the identity of being between both these countries. It’s something that will only ever be understood by others who live abroad as well, you are part of an elite. The global citizens who see themselves more as a citizen of the world rather than one particular place.

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Feeling like you don't belong to one specific country but reside in a space that straddles cultures and identities can be beautifully complex. It's like existing in a vibrant mosaic where each tile represents a different aspect of your heritage, experiences, and influences.

This in-between space offers a unique perspective, allowing you to appreciate the richness of various cultures while also feeling a sense of detachment from any single one.

Living in this in-between space can be liberating yet challenging. At times it can feel quite isolating and as if you are lost. It is a space where we question our belonging, as humans have an innate desire to belong. It is key to face these thoughts head on, question what is making you think in this way and seek out reasons to embrace the space you exist in.

Embracing this fluid identity can lead to a deeper understanding of yourself and the world around you. It's about finding comfort in the ambiguity, embracing the richness of diversity, and cherishing the beauty of being a global citizen.