My Love For Connection

I love it. Connection. In all its forms. Whether it’s in person, online, or through these letters, there’s an undeniable magic in the bonds we create. Each type of connection holds its own special place, but there’s something uniquely powerful about human connection in person.

I think of human connection as a collection of moments. Each moment, no matter how brief or enduring, has the potential to touch our lives in meaningful ways. Sometimes, it’s as simple as a smile exchanged with a stranger at the exact moment you needed it. Other times, it’s a more extended connection, like a lengthy conversation over a cup of coffee with a friend.?

Then, there are the deeper, more intimate connections that resonate on a mind, body, and soul level. These are the connections where you feel truly seen and understood. They are the friendships where you can be your most authentic self, knowing you are accepted and valued just as you are.

As an expat these connections are vital and essential as it is easy to feel isolated. Living in different countries over the past 25yrs, I needed to navigate how to make friends in each place without all the online resources we have today, and at times it was a very lonely journey. However, there were those moments of connection that really touched my life - I have so many stories!?

Among the many lessons I've learned over the years, one of the most important is the value of surrounding yourself with other women who are on a similar journey. It's a gift to feel understood and to connect over experiences unique to expats. I've always been a social person, and I was (and still am) a listener, the person you can lean on. However, for the longest time, I found it hard to lean on others or ask for help. I got used to doing most things on my own. Even when Coffee With An Expat started in 2019, I did it alone. Then, one day in September 2021, I realized I couldn’t continue on my own—I wanted to offer so much more to the community.

So, I nervously sent out a request, asking if anyone would be interested in leading different groups within Coffee With An Expat and being a part of this new team. I didn’t know what to expect; in the worst case, I thought I would just continue alone. However, it was positively beyond my expectations.

An inspiring group of women who believed in the power of connection and community showed up and have supported me every step of the way since that first meeting. Many have now become my chosen expat family. Through these connections and many more I have made since, I've found strength, happiness, and a shared sense of purpose, making my journey as an expat in Dubai a deeply rewarding and fulfilling adventure.

I understand how delicate it can be to make friends in a foreign country, I also understand how important connection is for us which is one of the main reasons why I started writing these weekly letters, to be able to connect with others around the world, because no matter where we are in the world, we are never truly alone.

Until next time!

With Gratitude

Navine x

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