How I Trusted My Intuition and Found Where I Belong in Split, Croatia
Reading time: 4 minutes
Written by: Annmarie Borosic
Over the last few weeks I’ve fought varying emotions. I would be packing to go home for Christmas holidays and finally see my family and friends. “Home,” the place that had been the only thing I’ve ever known, but has now evolved into “back home.” Funny how life works: my new home, Split, Croatia, is a vacation destination to so many, yet it’s where I’ve found the deepest sense of belonging
My friend’s question last week is what sparked this piece of writing; “I can’t believe you’ve already been in Split for seven months. Does it feel like it’s been that long? How do you feel?” Truth be told, the last seven months have flown by. I probably should credit that to the constant things that have been coming up month after month. My paperwork for residency and citizenship had me running around, crying some days, leading me to day drink other afternoons, but it’s been a wild learning opportunity. My parents visited a couple of months ago, which helped spread out the moments of absence, but I’ve loved every second of being in Split.
If I’m being completely honest, I don’t think a moment has passed where I’ve missed Canada itself. I deeply miss my family and friends. I didn’t realize how much until I opened an incredibly thoughtful gift sent to me for my birthday. It was a customized photobook that holds pictures of my family dating back to my grandparents when they were younger, my sister and me as children, and other deeply personal and meaningful moments. I sobbed for thirty minutes. Since then, I’ve only managed to open the book a few times before the tears start again. It’s a beautiful reminder of where I come from and how loved I am. I love them all and miss them. If I could pluck all of my family and friends to have them closer to me, I would. But that would be pretty selfish on my part. So, we’ll just continue with calls and messages, adapting to this new norm.
In Split, it feels different. I feel free in a way. I feel a part of something deeper, bigger, and honest. There are the little moments that are bigger moments for me when I think about it. In my seven months, I feel like I’ve made friends. Friendships where we spend time going for coffee, or paint nights, having sleepovers, or events at the National Theatre. I even had an offer to be picked up from the airport or bus terminal when I return to Split. It may not seem like a big deal, but it feels important to me because it feels like a community, having people now that I feel I could turn to, and hope they feel the same about me. I’ve been shown an immense amount of support, kindness, and patience and I’m so incredibly thankful. Other moments where I’m brought a cappuccino without having to order one because it’s my ‘usual.’ Seeing familiar faces now and being able to say hello from time to time to those I now recognize.
You know, when I think about it, at no point while I was living in Canada did I ever feel excited, relieved, or at ease returning. I was only ever thinking about my next trip out. Coming back into Split from a weekend away or travelling from further abroad, the sense of relief and joy I get seeing the coastal skyline getting closer and closer from either a flight or bus has been nothing like I’ve experienced before.
Maybe the phrase ‘your body knows where it belongs’ is true. I’m so grateful I listened to my inner voice nearly two years ago because it’s brought me to a place where I feel I should be. If you’ve ever felt stuck or longed for something more, trust that voice within. Take the leap. You just might find a place—and a life—that feels like home in ways you never imagined.
