I remember when we first got the news our next posting would be an OUTCAN to Glasgow, Scotland. Amazing – right!? Sure, driving would be an adjustment. And the accent would be challenging for a bit, but it’s still English. How hard could it be? We read all the material provided. We got this!
Once all the administrative hurdles to get here were completed, I naively thought it was smooth sailing ahead. But it wasn’t. Things that I normally did without any thought became incredibly hard. Banking, multi-factor authentication, getting a cell phone, online purchases, and even crossing the street – required more brain power than I had. Everything felt hard and took so much effort. It was extremely difficult, and this amazing opportunity began to feel like we made a huge mistake. The worst part was there was no one to confide in. Friends and family back home were quick to tell us we had no reason to complain. They didn’t understand how difficult it was. To them, we are on a wonderful vacation. This is not a vacation – it’s a huge life transition.
Looking back, those first 6-9 months were beyond challenging. But then something changed. We got into a rhythm. We were feeling more settled. Things that were hard became familiar. We started feeling more comfortable in our new community and exploring places we only dreamt of. And yes, looking back over this past year, and the struggles we faced, it is definitely worth it.
Reflecting back, I now have a better appreciation for how important it is to be gentle with myself throughout this transition. Taking care of your well-being during this time cannot be overstated. And it doesn’t have to be complicated. Enjoying a walk in nature can uplift and soothe a weary soul. I even found I have time to explore some hobbies I was too busy to consider before. I know it can feel incredibly isolating and hard at times. Please know, you are not alone. And yes, it will get easier. You got this!
Jennifer Innis, MFS Advisory Council UK Rep