Relocation & Emotions: The silent feelings of moving abroad… told through Maya’s story 💔
“It’ll be fine, it’s a new adventure!”
That’s what Maya kept telling herself, suitcase in hand, standing on the platform at Gare de Lyon, heading to Montreal. Her partner filmed the moment. Her parents wiped away a tear behind a proud smile. 🙋♀️
Two months later, the video is still on her phone. But the soundtrack has changed: the hum of a forced-air heater, the quiet of winter evenings, and a heart that skips a beat when a message finally arrives from home. 💓
What you don’t see on the postcard
Here are 5 small actions that transformed her relocation experience:
🧍♀️ Socializing gently
Maya joined an urban hiking club. A two-hour walk every Saturday — short enough not to feel overwhelmed, long enough to start building connections.
🗣️ Speaking the local language
Her French accent makes Quebecers smile, so she replies in joual when she can. Supermarket cashiers become her first language buddies.
📋 Visualizing progress
A Kanban board on her fridge: “To do,” “In progress,” “Done.” Every moved post-it is a visible micro-victory.
📞 Staying connected to home
Friday 7 p.m. (Montreal) = Friday 1 a.m. (Lyon): virtual apéro with her friends… who are heading out while she’s heading to bed, heart a little lighter.
🧠 Asking for professional help
When homesickness became overwhelming, she saw a coach specializing in international mobility. Three sessions were enough to regain perspective.
Why this matters ❓
Maya learned that feeling deeply doesn’t mean falling behind — it’s the first step toward adapting. Weeks after arriving, she doesn’t pretend everything is perfect; she simply knows that every emotional wave leads to a calmer shore.
And remember: the next video on your phone might be your first belly laugh with new friends — somewhere between the snow, the scent of maple coffee, and an accent that’s slowly becoming your own 😉
👉 Have you ever experienced a relocation? What emotions left the biggest mark on you? Share your story — it might help someone else feel a little less alone.
