Making some space

Since I left India last March, my life has been eventful, even if I have tried to establish some habits and routines, sometimes lacking in periods between projects.

I was first in Dubai, spending some lovely time with my (now 4-months old!) nephew. How can you feel that much love for such a sweet tiny thing? I had yet to experience that one.

Later in the month, I travelled to Valencia to attend the TNW (The Next Web) event and get a glimpse of the innovation ecosystem in Europe. Great opportunity to learn at super engaging sessions, network with cool people and enjoy an early summer at the Valencian coast.?

A week later, I joined some peregrine souls, determined not only to carry their heavy backpacks happily but also to liaise with the baggage of their minds. Volunteer!

(Feet's blisters appreciating the break)

Gap periods give you that opportunity: self-discovery. And I feel grateful for mine.?

The above is the information I had written down for Zure-Yuj’s April edition. In reality, listing the activities I have been involved in (which I cannot deny have contributed to my personal growth), I avoided deepening into what is really “the news”. And this is that, after eight years of living in London, I finally moved out. So, to some extent, those were just distractions making time for what was to happen.?

That amazing city that most expats love and sometimes hate at equal parts. The hub is full of opportunities, but at times the biggest nightmare set if you are looking for your next role. Thanks to my former “comfy” job, living in central London alone made my particular case even more enjoyable...

The multicultural paradise, eventful and musical, can sometimes make you feel you are still to fit in, there is nothing to do, and too much noise is annoying. I have fully lived, enjoyed, and loved London, but, at times, also suffered it.?

I was so determined to “make it” in the city, get a fantastic job, and eventually buy a flat without realising that every time I set a new goal, I lost a bit of my essence in the process. The bigger the project, the more willing I was to prove I could do it. Prove it to who? Definitely not to myself, as I was neglecting my mind, health and personal values in pursuing utopic, non-aligned goals.?

I find it funny that on my first job as an HR Assistant, I used to earn ￡7/hour against the six-figure ads I applied to by the end of last year. Moreover, my first job in London was as an au-pair, making less than ￡400/month. Surprise, surprise, back then, I was happier, livelier and healthier than I was, for instance, last year.?

London is an extraordinary city. It has a spark. Also, a special place in my heart, as even during some tough times (and, as usual, thanks to them), it accompanied me in the process of becoming a woman. The city taught me to respect and admire all kinds of people, appreciating that some struggles are invisible to our eyes, but the battles are latent. But it also coached me to set boundaries when situations are not right. As a result, I want to think I am now a little bit less na?ve, slightly wiser, and hopefully equally sweet than when I first arrived.

I have experienced the glitter of rooms full of opportunities that can sometimes convert into jungles, taking a toll on your mental, physical, and emotional health, especially if you lose your purposeful essence.?

London has given me so so much, but it has arrived the day, April’s last one, to start the physical journey and wrap up that chapter in my life, at least for now (if the selling of my bike allows it!).

Time to declutter the ridiculous number of boxes I had stored a few months ago.?

Boxes full of memories, laughs, but also some tears.

Letting go of stuff to make space for new vibrant experiences. Whatever does not allow us to grow -> out. Whatever does not make us glow -> out.

London, thank you. I will miss you… a bit. Now life is calling for the next adventure!