My ego vs Swiss train system
There’s nothing like walking into a coffee shop in a different country and hearing all English speakers. THE RELIEF. I’m not going to lie… upon arriving to Zurich, Switzerland after being in a small village in France where there was hardly any English speakers, I felt the overwhelm of inadequacy come over me as soon as I arrived. Oh the stories the mind/ ego told… adorable, really.
For me, one of the most frustrating things when traveling is not being able to speak the local language. Of course I learn a few basic words like hello, thank you, bathroom, and almond milk (lol yes, that happened). But in all seriousness, it can feel really overwhelming at times, especially when it feels like you’re the ONLY one who doesn’t speak the language (this isn’t true at all, it’s all perception - driven from ego trying to instill fear). Thank you, but no thank you ego.
When traveling, you’re in a completely new place, organically tasked with - learning the public transportation system, trying to decipher menus, adapting to different cultures, learning operating hours/ days, trying to feel the energy of daily flow and interactions, and literally so much more.
I remind myself… what a PRIVILEGE it is to be in a new place, surrounded by many languages, cultures, people, sights, and newness. What a privilege it is to feel overwhelm from experiencing something that’s brand new to me. What a privilege it is to have the capacity to learn, adapt, and still show up courageously.
Zurich itself is one of the biggest transient cities with expats and people from all over the world. Silly me, thinking I am the only one who can’t speak German (the local language they speak here).
So ya… full disclosure, it can be overwhelming, uncomfortable, and make you question if you “belong” - but I continue to remind myself we’re all humans, seeing each other as souls, allowing myself to ask for help, and trusting the energy that leads me every single day while I'm on this adventure.
What may present as overwhelm at first, might just be the stretch your mind and nervous system needs. With a does of self-compassion along the way.
Journaling opportunity:
1. When was the last time I felt out of place or “inadequate” in a new environment? What stories did my mind create in that moment?
2. What part of me is strengthened every time I choose to show up courageously in a new space?
xx,
Anayat