5 Things I Learned Living Abroad

I'm Italian and I lived in the same village, the same street, the same house and the same room for 19 years.

My house was situated in a village of less than 9,000 people in the countryside, near Venice.

I used to know everyone and everyone knew me, from my neighbours to the cashier at the supermarket, to the florists or the priest. That was the only reality I knew—a safe, autarchic, familiar environment.

One year ago I moved to the UK where everything is different for a teenager girl who used to run in the fields and grow her own vegetables in the garden.

I've always suffered a lot because of nostalgia and my anxiety problem wasn't very helpful, and it still isn't but after a year I feel like I have to take stock of the situation and reflect about what I learned, to remind me I took so many steps forward.

1. It's okay to be scared.

I've always felt like being scared was something bad that stops you from doing what you really want to do and being who you really are.

I spent my life being scared—scared of moving, scared of falling in love with the wrong person, scared of being alone, scared of not appreciate what I have and realize it was special when I lose it, scared of being scared.

I now know that fears are just like any other feelings. Sometimes they feel even better cause it means you're actually achieving what you were looking for or you're moving forward. Just embrace the moment and think that after this climb you won't fear that anymore. After facing this struggle there will be one less on the list.

2. It's okay to need someone.

One of many reasons of moving was to learn I am enough for myself and I don't need anyone else.

Nothing more wrong than that.

I know I am good enough for myself, I'm learning to love myself but at the same time I want to keep in mind that man is by nature a social animal. We all need each other, we should help other people and spread love and positivity so you know when you'll need it, there will always be someone that will do the same thing you did and support you through hard times—but most importantly, happiness is thousands times better when shared.

3. You can do anything but not everything.

There's no limit to what the human body can do or learn (well, besides breaking nature laws, I don't expect to wake up tomorrow and walk on the ceiling). You can do anything but it takes time, patient, dedication, love and passion, so don't insist on having everything you want right now.

4. Learn to accept what's coming for you.

Sometimes I get mad about my flight being late (every damn time actually), about missing some events because I'm already busy or even because of the weather.

There's no point, it will just make me feel worse, annoyed, irritable and rude.

Is it really worth all this negativity? Of course not, be patient and accept that there are some things you're not in control of, take what comes, save the energies you would spend being all angry and grumpy and invest them doing your best and making the most of what you can control.

5. Things can't keep going wrong forever.

It's impossible to have a life full of bad luck and bad days but focusing just on negativities will make you feel like it is. Look all around you, the bright colours of nature, feel your body and think about how it's perfectly designed. Take a deep breath and put aside the problems you're facing, the negativity you're stuck on and analyze what's left. It can't be all bad, it won't, I promise.