Life is a journey filled with twists and turns, and my journey has taken me from being a wild adventurer to what my son calls a “boring mom.” As I reflect on my past and present, I question how moving to Germany changed my life. So, let’s dive in together and talk about the adventures I’ve had, and how the cultural shift has influenced my personality today.
How Has Germany Changed My Life?
- Looking Back: My Adventurous Past 🌍
- Mom Life: The Shift to Responsibility 👩👧👦
- Revisiting My Adventurous Side: The Skydiving Experience 🪂
- Has Germany Made Me Boring? 🤔
- The Pros and Cons of Change ⚖️
- Embracing My True Self: Finding Balance 🎢
- Lessons Learned: Being True to Myself 💡
- Conclusion: A Journey of Self-Discovery 🌈
Looking Back: My Adventurous Past 🌍
Before motherhood and settling in Germany, I was a free spirit, always seeking the next thrill. My life was a tapestry woven with spontaneous adventures, travel, and experiences that pushed my boundaries. Here are some highlights of my adventurous past:
- Skydiving for the first time
- Climbing Machu Picchu in Peru
- Bungee jumping in a World Cup stadium
- Traveling solo through Nepal and India
- Zip-lining in South Africa
- Rafting on the Terra River
- Canoeing in Costa Rica
- Chased by an orangutan in Indonesia
I danced like no one was watching and embraced every opportunity that came my way. But as I transitioned into motherhood and settled in Germany, I began to wonder—has this new life made me boring?
Mom Life: The Shift to Responsibility 👩👧👦
Becoming a mom has undeniably changed my priorities. I am no longer just responsible for myself; I now have two children who look up to me. The weight of this responsibility sometimes feels heavy, and I find myself questioning my adventurous spirit. Am I still fun? Can I still embrace spontaneity while being a good role model for my kids?
Recently, my son made a light-hearted comment that sparked my reflection: “Mama, you’re boring!” This made me realize that my children see me as someone who follows the rules and plays it safe. But is that really who I am? I wanted to prove to them that I could still be the adventurous mom they need.
Has Germany Made Me Boring? 🤔
The question lingers: has living in Germany made me a more boring person? While I have adopted some traits of German culture—like being punctual and rule-abiding—this doesn’t mean I’ve lost my adventurous spirit. Instead, I have learned to navigate my identity in a new context.
Germany has taught me valuable lessons about standing up for myself and being direct. I remember a recent incident at a kiosk where I had a confrontation over payment methods. I found myself reacting more assertively than I would have as my younger self in Canada. This change reflects how living in a different culture can shape our behaviors and responses.
The Pros and Cons of Change ⚖️
Every change comes with its pros and cons. While I appreciate the maturity and confidence I have gained in Germany, I sometimes miss the carefree spirit of my younger self. Here are some reflections on the changes I’ve experienced:
- Increased confidence in expressing myself and making friends (with Germans)
- Learning to stand up for my needs
- Becoming more rule-oriented
- Feeling more serious and less spontaneous
- Gaining a thicker skin in social situations
These changes are not inherently negative. They reflect my growth as a person. However, I must remind myself that it’s okay to embrace spontaneity and let loose from time to time.
Embracing My True Self: Finding Balance 🎢
As I continue to navigate my identity as a mom and an expat in Germany, I am committed to embracing both sides of myself. I want to show my children that it’s possible to be responsible while also being fun and adventurous. This year, I plan to make a conscious effort to break out of my comfort zone.
Here are some ways I’m planning to reconnect with my adventurous spirit:
- Trying new activities with my kids
- Participating in local events and festivals
- Planning family trips to exciting destinations
- Encouraging my children to be adventurous
- Being open to spontaneous outings
By incorporating these elements into my life, I hope to find a balance that allows me to be both a fun mom and a responsible one.
Lessons Learned: Being True to Myself 💡
Through this journey of self-reflection, I’ve learned that no country or person can change who I truly am. While I may have adapted to my surroundings, the core of my identity remains intact. I am still the adventurous, fun-loving person I used to be, just in a different context.
It’s essential to remind ourselves that it’s okay to make mistakes and embrace our quirks. I want to instill this mindset in my children and encourage them to be themselves without fear of judgment. Life is too short to be anything but authentic.
My move to Germany has changed my life undoubtedly, but it hasn’t made me boring. Instead, it has added depth to my character and taught me valuable lessons. As I continue to navigate motherhood and expat life, I am excited to rediscover my adventurous spirit and live life to the fullest.
So, what about you? Have you experienced similar transformations in your life? I’d love to hear your stories in the comments below! Let’s embrace our journeys together and celebrate the beautiful chaos of life.
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