How To Feel At Home Away From Home – In Greece
- by XpatAthens
- Monday, 17 October 2016
A move to another place is a change. A change of habits, a change of people, a change of environment, a change of status…a change. It can be both exciting and scary. It can have the element of adventure or the element of fear.
In any case, a move does change your life. You are in a new place, with new people, different customs perhaps, different type of food. What you already know as your daily routine will definitely be affected. So how do you ease your way to this new destination? How do you make it so that it feels home when you are actually away from home?
I’ve moved to a few places (United States then Greece then Italy then back to Greece) and I have traveled a lot with my job. From my experience, taking care of all formalities - paperwork, bank account, travel arrangements, timeframe, etc., etc., - just won’t do it. There is one single thing that by far makes the big difference: Your Mindset. Your mindset, the way you think about your move, can ‘make or break’ your move.
“The quality of your life is the quality of your feelings,” says Tony Robbins. Your attitude about the new place will influence the way you feel and will certainly make your life easier. So you need to train your brain to think of your new destination as your home. Even more, to recognize the new place as your home, as the place where you belong.
So, how do you train your brain when your new destination is Greece? Especially when what you watch on the news doesn’t sound all that positive? Here are some helpful tips:
- First and foremost, this is your opportunity to experience a new culture, to open your horizons, to learn new things. Be enthusiastic about exploring this country in any way possible. After all, you are among the few that can have such an opportunity!
- Although the majority does speak some English, Greeks appreciate the effort a foreigner makes to speak or learn Greek even if it’s just a few words. And they are willing to teach you even more. So, make the effort. In addition, you never know when a foreign language may serve as your hidden ace!
- Greeks are hospitable. They’ll invite you to their home, to go out with their friends. Join them and experience the famous Greek hospitality!
- Be patient as the Greek temperament can sometimes be hot. On the other hand, keep in mind that Greeks do talk fast and loud (or so it sounds to a non-Greek) but this does not mean they fight.
- The weather in Greece is mostly beautiful. Be grateful for it, especially if you come from a northern country. Enjoy the sunny days both physically and psychologically.
- Culture – pick a topic you like and learn more about it so you may be able to participate in conversations.
- Soccer is a big thing in Greece. Basketball too. But so are history, arts, food, politics.
- Get to know your neighborhood. The local bakery, besides having delicious bread, is a great place to start.
- Pick a coffee shop or a bar that you like and go there often to meet people.
- Become a member of the local library, if that’s one of your interests, or join a club.
- Put a smile on your face and laugh at the things or situations that are different from what you were used to. You probably haven’t explored since you were a kid so allow yourself to be open again!
- Last but not least, join the XpatAthens community.
Nadia Georgiou is Life Coach to the International Community of Athens. A Certified Life Coach and Master in Communications and Strategic Intervention (SI Coaching), she is the founder of it’s my life coaching services. With more than 25 years of international experience in communications strategy, Nadia helps her clients in the areas of personal development and empowerment, personal and professional success, the understanding of oneself, the achievement of their goals and ultimately the joy of life. She believes in the infinite power and the unlimited potential we have within us. She loves traveling, arts and enjoys a good glass of red wine and a laugh. She is married and has one daughter. You can contact her at nadia@itsmylife.gr or visit her site www.itsmylife.gr.