Thank you Codi - I hope I can keep bringing more material that really resonates with all the GGTLA readers. It means a lot to know that this really spoke to you and to also know - we are not alone!
Wow Mitra, this is a beautifully raw and thought-provoking piece that pulls no punches, and your ability to balance humor, vulnerability, and brutal reality, is a strength of your writing. It totally made me feel the impact of your choices, and I had no idea how much strength and growth you’ve experienced living abroad—your journey is truly inspiring!
Thank you Sandra - it has been quite a wild ride for sure and I’m happy to be able to finally share all the crazy ups and downs of living abroad with all the GGTLA abroad readers…there’s definitely more to come!
Wow, you have described the feelings of loneliness I've felt for almost a decade living abroad in Asia, so you're definitely not alone in the "adventures" of being abroad (though you already know that). For me, losing close relationships or having them fade away despite your best intentions has been the saddest part. But I also think that it could very well happen even without the distance. As I'm making the choice to go abroad with my family again, I know that whatever adventures await me, I need to not idealize the whole expat persona and be prepared to ride the waves.
Thanks so much Sarah! The ebb and flow of relationships is definitely one of the hardest parts about living abroad, but it does also feel like a unique privilege most people don’t get to experience. We all may feel a loneliness beyond compare at times in our lives abroad, yet through the people I’ve met and relationships I’ve made here, I know I have a home and a family at pretty much every imaginable place in the world. Best of luck on your next adventures - ride the hell outta those waves baby!
Thanks Elizabeth - it’s taken me many years to find my voice and speak my truth. I hope I’m not too much of a fantasy-crushing, buzzkill…these days I like to think of myself as just being cautiously idealistic 😁 Many of the most amazing things in life, I think, often are born from some of the most awful, soul-shattering experiences we face. My hope in my writing is to always honor the fantastic AND the fucked up in equal measure.
I am speechless and full on crying. Bravo 👏 for capturing and articulating something so many of us feel and experience. Thank you both for this piece.
Thank you Codi - I hope I can keep bringing more material that really resonates with all the GGTLA readers. It means a lot to know that this really spoke to you and to also know - we are not alone!
Mitra is both funny and fearless in her writing. I can't wait for more
Thank you SO much - I can’t wait to bring you more so stay tuned!
She's our new secret weapon! Expect much more. Update soon!!
Wow Mitra, this is a beautifully raw and thought-provoking piece that pulls no punches, and your ability to balance humor, vulnerability, and brutal reality, is a strength of your writing. It totally made me feel the impact of your choices, and I had no idea how much strength and growth you’ve experienced living abroad—your journey is truly inspiring!
Thank you Sandra - it has been quite a wild ride for sure and I’m happy to be able to finally share all the crazy ups and downs of living abroad with all the GGTLA abroad readers…there’s definitely more to come!
Wow, you have described the feelings of loneliness I've felt for almost a decade living abroad in Asia, so you're definitely not alone in the "adventures" of being abroad (though you already know that). For me, losing close relationships or having them fade away despite your best intentions has been the saddest part. But I also think that it could very well happen even without the distance. As I'm making the choice to go abroad with my family again, I know that whatever adventures await me, I need to not idealize the whole expat persona and be prepared to ride the waves.
Thanks so much Sarah! The ebb and flow of relationships is definitely one of the hardest parts about living abroad, but it does also feel like a unique privilege most people don’t get to experience. We all may feel a loneliness beyond compare at times in our lives abroad, yet through the people I’ve met and relationships I’ve made here, I know I have a home and a family at pretty much every imaginable place in the world. Best of luck on your next adventures - ride the hell outta those waves baby!
It takes courage to write this honestly, especially when so many people need you to keep their fantasy alive. 💚
Thanks Elizabeth - it’s taken me many years to find my voice and speak my truth. I hope I’m not too much of a fantasy-crushing, buzzkill…these days I like to think of myself as just being cautiously idealistic 😁 Many of the most amazing things in life, I think, often are born from some of the most awful, soul-shattering experiences we face. My hope in my writing is to always honor the fantastic AND the fucked up in equal measure.