Cultural Transitions

“The beauty of the world lies in the diversity of its people.”

~ unknown

As we turn the pages of our lives, each new chapter provides an opportunity to let go so we can reach forward towards the future. Coming up with a good plan for what’s next can help to make life run more smoothly. Cultural transitions are no different.

The path to achieving healthy transitions is thriving emotionally, physically, spiritually and relationally. The opportunity to move abroad and become an expatriate is very exciting but there is a lot to think about in order to relocate.

A cultural transition is a very personal experience and it is important to consider all members of the family. Pico Iyer says, “For more and more of us, home has really less to do with a piece of soil then you can say a piece of soul.” Transitions of any kind can accentuate the negatives and stress can come from unexpected places. Even the strongest individuals can be overwhelmed with exhaustion and uncertainty. Remembering to include patience with an open mind as part of the planning will go a long way.

It is also very important to enjoy the journey. If you are only focused on the goal, you can miss out on a lot of happiness along the way. On page 218 of Third Culture Kids, Growing Up Among Worlds by Pollock and Van Reken, Charles Frame offers advice to his daughter Ruth; valuable advice that if applied, can make a big difference in having a positive experience or not, “….wherever you go in life, unpack your bags – physically and mentally – and plant your trees.

Too many people never live in the now because they assume the time is too short to settle in. They don’t plant trees because they expect to be gone before the trees bear fruit. But if you keep thinking about your next move, you’ll never live fully where you are. When it’s time to go, then it’s time to go, but you won’t have missed what this experience was about……”.