Have you ever returned from a trip feeling more lost than when you left? It’s a sensation many of us can relate to, especially after coming back from a culturally rich and diverse place. The experience can be so transformative that upon return, you might feel like a piece of the puzzle that doesn’t quite fit back into its original spot. This feeling of displacement, while unsettling, is not uncommon and certainly not insurmountable.
Let’s dive into why some of us experience this profound sense of not belonging upon returning from our travels and explore ways to rediscover our place in the world.
1.The essence of travel is that it expands our worldview. It exposes us to new perspectives, lifestyles, and values differing significantly from our usual environment. This broadening of our horizons is exhilarating but can also lead to a feeling of alienation when we return. Suddenly, the familiar seems foreign, as if we’re seeing our daily lives through a new lens. Europe, with its rich history, diverse cultures, and myriad of languages, offers a particularly stark contrast to our routine lives, making reintegration even more challenging.
2.This feeling of not fitting in might also stem from a change within us. Travel has a way of changing people, often for the better. We become more open-minded, more adaptable, and often more aware of the world’s complexities. Yet, these personal evolutions can make it difficult to reconnect with people and places that have remained static during our absence.
3. the exhilaration of discovery and adventure that travel brings can make our regular environment seem lackluster.The thrill of navigating an unfamiliar city or communicating in a new language is hard to replicate in a familiar setting, leading to feelings of stagnation or boredom.
The question then becomes, how do we navigate this feeling of displacement? How do we find our sense of belonging once more?
1.To seek out communities or activities that relate to our travel experiences. Engaging with fellow travel enthusiasts or joining cultural groups that celebrate the places we’ve visited can help bridge the gap between our adventures and our daily lives. Additionally, exploring our own cities with the eyes of a traveler can uncover hidden gems and reignite our sense of wonder.
2.To maintain the growth mindset that travel cultivates. Continuously seeking new experiences, learning, and embracing change can make reintegration into our routine lives a journey of its own. This could mean picking up a new hobby, learning a language, or even planning the next adventure. The key is to keep the spirit of exploration alive.
3.Expressing our experiences through creative outlets can also aid in processing the emotions tied to them. Writing, photography, or any form of art that captures the essence of our travels can help us reflect on our journey and its impact on our sense of self.
4.It’s important to recognize that feeling like you don’t belong, whether after travel or in general, is a common experience. Finding our place in the world again might require time and patience, but it’s a journey well worth undertaking. After all, the need to belong is inherently human, and with the right approach, we can rediscover our sense of place and purpose.
Returning from Europe and feeling disconnected is not an end but a beginning. It’s an opportunity to integrate our new selves into our old worlds and to find belonging in a world that we now see with fresh eyes. Just as we navigated the streets of Paris, Rome, or Berlin, we can navigate our path to belonging, armed with new perspectives and a deepened appreciation for both the world and our place within it.
Related posts:
A Sense of Belonging: What It Is and How to Feel It (verywellmind.com)
Really sad about “belonging” after traveling from country to country : r/expats (reddit.com)
Would you lose your sense of belonging if you travel a lot? – Quora
