I never used to like the cold, until now.

Moving to Slovakia has changed my life in so many ways – and all for the better. ❤️

While living in Malta, we’d look for any excuse to stay home. We avoided going anywhere for the most part, and if we were to go somewhere, we’d usually dread the commute. Anyone who lives in Malta will surely understand why. But that’s not what this post is about.

Now, we look for any reason to get out! Whether it’s a walk, a leisurely drive, or finding new destinations – near or far – to visit, it’s liberating and truly quite wonderful.

Sure, being an expat has its downsides. I miss my family and my friends. It stings when I miss events or occasions of loved ones. I live in constant fear of something bad happening and me not being right there, and the logistics involved to go back to visit. We don’t have babysitters or dog-sitters so certain things can be tricky and stressful. And don’t even get me started on the language barrier – that’s a whole story in itself.

But coming here has brought out the best in me in many other ways.

My love and desire for cooking has bloomed. I feel far more inspired, motivated, and mentally energised than ever before. I’m making new friends. I’m thriving in motherhood. I’m thriving in my relationship. And one that really got me thinking, which is the reason I started this post, is how much I suddenly love the cold.

Getting to experience all the seasons is something that truly excites me. It might seem small or trivial to some, but to me, there’s something magical about it.

I saw a quote that said “When a flower isn’t blooming, you fix the environment in which it grows, not the flower.” (by Alexander Den Heijer) and since moving here, I have felt, very significantly, like that flower.

Home is an abstract word. I don’t really know what it means…

What I do know is: I’m happy here.

And that’s a pretty awesome way to feel. 🙂

Thanks for stopping by to read this!

Until next time,

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