A Cross-Cultural Journey in Singapore
You know that moment, you realise how your life has changed forever after you boarded that one flight? I still remember the day I boarded the flight to Singapore. I clearly remember sitting at the window seat in the aircraft and gazing at the lit-up cityscape of Bangalore as we took off. I said, “Bye Bangalore, see you soon!” Not realising how far that soon is gonna be.
Singapore has been an incredible teacher in my life. It's here that I learned the value of family, love, friendship, trust, and beliefs. They say that when you lose something valuable, you truly appreciate its worth. This truth struck me profoundly when I moved to this country.
This vibrant place is where dreams come true, but for me, it wasn't just about the dreams fulfilled. It was equally about the dreams that shattered.
As I prepared to move to Singapore, everyone—friends, and relatives, painted an image of fun, freedom, and independence. Strikingly absent was any mention of the guilt that tugs at my heartstrings while living thousands of miles away while my parents grow older, while I miss all the big milestones, my best friend's birthday, friends and family accomplishments, births, deaths, and all that's in between. No one prepared me for the pain of chasing personal success while feeling the absence of everything I hold dear. Sometimes, I ponder if my pursuit of personal accomplishments was too selfish of me, trading it for the comfort of all that I called home.
Many perceive me as fortunate, with no parental oversight and absolute freedom to relish life. Wow! What a life, right? The reality is far far from this idealized notion.
I reminisce about those days when I adamantly told my dad that I wanted to walk to school alone, yearning for independence. I recall returning from dance classes to find my mom waiting eagerly with a glass of juice. Back then, I'd question her actions, not fully understanding her constant care. I remember pushing friends away only for them to surprise me with random hugs. And now, in this new city, there's no one to accompany me to school, no one to prepare a meal after a long day, no one to offer a comforting hug even when it's most needed.
And you what's the worst part? That you'll never be home again. I guess that's the price you have to pay for finding a home in another place. Relatives become people you barely even talk to. Close friends and family become relatives. You'll be treated like a guest at your own house. And there's always a part of you that misses the other home, no matter where you are.
The day you start living in another country, transforms you into something in between your old life and your new one. You're neither a tourist nor a native, constantly navigating the space between familiar and unfamiliar. Homesickness and a sense of belonging coexist, creating a unique blend of comfort and the unknown.
Here I am, no matter what I have been going through. Here I am today, a new day. Still smiling. Still pushing forward. And no matter how hard it is in my life right now, I'm making it through. I'm taking it one day at a time. Most people would have given up, but I haven't. There is still a strength within me every day I wake up, no matter what I am going through. Here I am today, working on myself every day. Improving my life every day. Getting out of bed on the hardest days that I didn't think I could.
For those going through similar experiences, remember: Keep moving forward. Believe in yourself, and know that many others do too. Keep pushing.
Now that you've taken this journey with me, I'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences. How do you navigate the balance between your old life and the new one in a different country?
