Embracing the Outsider Within: Self-Confidence as a Foreigner
When I arrived in Split last year, I was already comfortable with who I am. I was battling grief, so it would tend to throw me off at the most inopportune times, but at no point did it make me feel less than. I also quickly realized I looked like I wasn’t from Split.
It was a strange feeling. I had spent just under two weeks in Split months earlier and several more in other parts of Croatia. Even throughout my travels last year in Turkey and in Italy, I knew I looked like a foreigner, but I was travelling, so obviously I would look different - like a tourist. However, once I moved here, I quickly became hyper-aware of societal nuances, style, and lifestyle—and it became clear I wasn’t like anyone here.
Adapting to Life in Croatia: An Expat’s Journey from Toronto to Split
After surpassing my three-month mark since leaving Canada for Split, Croatia, I’m reflecting on the surprising ease of this transition. The high tourist season has made the adjustment feel like an extended vacation, while I gradually build a new network and adapt to local customs. Embracing cultural integration is crucial, as simply carrying over my Toronto habits doesn’t always work in Split. This journey has also highlighted a significant shift from a chaotic past to a more serene lifestyle, prompting a reevaluation of my relationship with stress and tranquility. As I navigate this new chapter, blending my Canadian background with Croatian life remains a key focus, balancing personal identity with the evolving experience of living abroad.
Empower Your Mind: How Solo Adventures and These 5 Books Can Boost Your Confidence
Imagine waking up every day with unwavering confidence, fully embracing who you are and believing in your limitless potential. Achieving this self-assurance is possible through personal growth and solo adventures. I've faced countless moments of internal struggles, especially during solo trips or running my business alone, but these experiences have taught me the importance of building confidence and maintaining a strong mindset. To help others on their journey, I’ve curated a list of empowering books that have significantly impacted my confidence and self-understanding
Trading Toronto for the Adriatic: My Journey of Starting Over
“Walking out of my Toronto apartment for the last time felt as if I was saying goodbye to who I once was, leaving that woman behind; the version that had carried me through life, helped me survive, succeed, and challenge me.”
Liberating Myself: How I Got the Guts to Start Travelling Alone
I didn’t give myself time to freak out throughout the planning process. I was and am still very much of the mindset, that if you want something, don’t give yourself a choice to back out, no matter how scary it may seem.