It's been around three months that I have been away from my home(on the other end of the globe in Mumbai) and here are a few things I've already started to realize from this roller coaster of an experience:
1. Co-existence
Life is much easier when you are around people who look out for you. Just a small gesture can help make someone feel less homesick in a new environment. All my life I've been taught to have a competitive temperament. But guess what? We can all hold hands to the top of the mountain (rather than stepping on one another).
2. Talk it out
This is something really important and yet very underrated! Unless we speak up, no one will know what we are gong through. And unless that happens, no one can really help us. Even if we do not get a solution from someone, it is always comforting to know that we are not the only one going through a particular situation, there may be others facing the same problem.
3. No shame in doing your own work
Well, many of us are born with a silver spoon, pampered in a cocoon all through our teens. But it's a shock when we step in the real world! We find running daily errands difficult! Something like washing your own dishes, cleaning, cooking, doing laundry and garbage dumping. Doing these things has helped me imbibe modesty and a higher regard for whoever used to help do them back home!
4. Look out for others like you want them to look out for youÂ
I read this line somewhere on the internet and it greatly appealed to me:
Sometimes, people will talk to you only when they have no one else to talk to.
And that's okay.
Get off your pedestal and be there.
6. Don't lose your charm
While you are struggling to fit in, remember what makes you YOU.
And trade that for nothing, EVER!
7. Learn and grow
There are a plethora of things you may not know existed, and that's okay! The best way to deal with this intimidating load of information is to learn them rather than feeling lacking or deprived. Don't hesitate to admit that you don't know something and show the readiness to adapt those skills.