Mindfulness in the Madness: How Exploring My New City Helped Me Find Clarity
Are you in the super stressful process of moving abroad, thinking about moving abroad, or already living abroad?
I’m right in the thick of it for the second time, and let me tell you — even though I’ve done this before, it doesn’t make it that much easier!
There are endless applications, documents, and to-dos to tackle, or at least that’s how it feels. And the waiting for responses? It feels like ten eternities rolled into one! Honestly, I could go on and on.
The first time I went through this moving-abroad process, it was hectic, chaotic, and incredibly stressful. I was preparing for my exchange program, thinking the university would handle most of the paperwork. Spoiler alert: they didn’t. I ended up having to do it myself. And since this was mid-2021, COVID-19 was still a huge obstacle, adding even more paperwork, restrictions, and tests.
By the time I finally got to Cardiff and settled into my flat, I had a full-on emotional breakdown. The months of stress and overwhelm — both mental and physical — hit me like a wrecking ball. I felt isolated, confused, exhausted, and terrified, yet somehow excited all at once.
In the past, when I’ve felt like this, I would shut down, lock myself away, and spiral even further. But this time, I’d made a promise to myself before I moved: I was determined to make this exchange the best experience of my life. So, after one evening of letting myself wallow in self-pity, I decided enough was enough. The next morning, I woke up early and had a slow but purposeful start to the day.
I followed my morning skincare routine, made a hearty breakfast, dressed up to feel my best, grabbed my purse, and headed out to explore my new city — with no map, no plan, just pure curiosity.
For the next three days, I wandered around town, simply letting my curiosity guide me. By the end of it, I knew the city like the back of my hand. I had found my favourite coffee shop, café, park, and my go-to spot in that park. I’d figured out which of the five supermarkets — yes, five, all within a 20- to 45-minute walk from my flat — was the best for different groceries. And I made my “List of 30,” which included 10 restaurants, 10 shops, and 10 cultural experiences I wanted to try over the coming months.
Not only did these little discoveries make my day-to-day life easier, but the process itself gave me something far more valuable: peace of mind. It gave me time to reflect, sparked new motivation and inspiration, and reminded me of how important it is to embrace every moment of the journey.
One of my favourite things to do in a new place is simply walk. It’s a mindful, eye-opening, and gratitude-inducing ritual. It clears my mind, helps me see things from a fresh perspective, and always teaches me something new.
So, what’s the takeaway here? Don’t dwell on the past or get caught up in the “what ifs” about the future. Yes, living abroad comes with its own set of challenges, and sure, there’s plenty that could go “wrong”. But that’s why it’s even more important to stay grounded in the present moment. Don’t let your mind wander into the past or future — focus on where you are right now.
What’s meant for you will come, and everything you’ve gone through has brought you to this exact point. So, be grateful, be mindful, and live your life — fully present in each moment.
Fia xx