The Myth of Having It All: Confessions of a Career Mom. Chapter 8: Home Is Where You Make It.

Soon three month since we arrived in Germany, and I want to reflect to the meaning of “Home”. I still miss Latvia deeply. But something has shifted. The streets aren’t so unfamiliar anymore, the routines are starting to stick, and my kids are settling into their new school.

But this is far from easy.

November: A Month for Latvian Traditions

In Latvia, November is the month of independence—a time to honour our history, our resilience, and what it means to belong to a place. Normally, I would be lighting candles on the windowsill, looking out at the streets of Riga. This year, I’m doing the same, except the view is different. It feels strange and, honestly, a little lonely. But lighting those candles still brings comfort, even here in Germany. It’s not about where I am—it’s about what the act represents.

Traditions have become even more important to me since moving here. They remind me of who I am and where I come from. Kids do not fully understand yet, but I think it’s important for them to know these traditions that keep us connected, no matter how far away we are from home.

“Sooner or later, the strength of the roots you’ve planted will make the unfamiliar feel familiar and the faraway feel close.”

Creating a new home in a foreign country has been overwhelming, to say the least. I arrived here with no local network, no real grasp of the language, and no idea how the school system worked. For the first few weeks, I felt completely out of place. Everything from grocery shopping to figuring out transportation was a challenge. I missed the familiarity of Riga—the ease of knowing where everything is, how things work, and who to call when something goes wrong.

Slowly, though, things are starting to fall into place. I’ve met a few parents at the school bus stop who have been incredibly kind, offering tips and even some support when I looked particularly lost. The kids are starting to come home with stories about new friends and German words they’ve learned. And as for me, I’m figuring it out one day at a time—where to shop, how to navigate the city, and even how to laugh at my own mistakes (of which there are many).

What Is Home, Really?

Home is more than just a physical space. It’s the feeling of familiarity and comfort—the ability to exhale at the end of the day and feel like you’re in the right place. For now, I’m working on building that feeling here in Germany. It’s in the little things: cooking meals that remind me of Latvia, hanging family photos on the walls, and keeping our routines intact.

But it’s also about the connections we’re starting to build. Home isn’t just about the place you live—it’s about the people around you. Here, I’m slowly forming a new community. It’s not the same as having my friends and family close by, but it’s a start. And that’s enough for now. And I love to see that my friends and family really buy tickets and will visit me (thank you, Air Baltic ??)

One of the biggest questions I’ve had since moving here is how to balance holding on to my roots while embracing this new life. I’ve seen how other families manage it—like Italian family, who insists on cooking traditional pasta every Sunday. These small acts are their way of staying connected to where they come from.

For me, it’s about teaching my kids Latvian traditions and making sure they grow up understanding where they’re from. But it’s also about finding space for new experiences. For instance, my kids have started embracing some distinctly German delights, like pretzels and football. It’s a heartwarming reminder that home doesn’t have to be tied to a single identity—it can be a beautiful blend of the old traditions we cherish and the new experiences we discover.

Lessons learned

This time since beginning of September have taught me a lot about what it means to start over. It’s messy, frustrating, and sometimes heartbreaking. But it’s also rewarding. Every small win—whether it’s learning a new German phrase, finding the right bus route, or seeing my kids smile at a new friend—feels like a step closer to making this place our home.

Is it perfect? Not at all. There are days when I feel like I’ve made a huge mistake, when I miss Latvia so much it hurts. But then there are moments when I catch myself feeling a sense of belonging here. Those moments are small, but they’re growing. And that gives me hope.

For now, I’m focused on the little things—It’s not always easy, but it’s worth it. And having someone by my side who believes in me, makes all the difference.

Happy Birthday, Latvia!

#NewBeginnings #CarrerMom #NewHome