Finding Peace Abroad: A Journey Through Different Realities
When I reflect on my experiences living in various countries, I often find myself drawn to a philosophical space. Today, as I finished a workout at the gym, a moment of clarity hit me—I needed to share something deeply personal about the journey to finding peace in life, no matter where you are.
As someone who has lived in several countries, including Venezuela, the United States, England, and now Greece, I’ve come to realize that the pursuit of happiness and peace isn’t tied to a specific place. When I first moved to Greece, many assumed it was because my wife is Greek. While that’s true to some extent, the real reason is far more profound: I found peace here. But it’s important to note that this peace isn’t about Greece itself; it’s about the internal journey I’ve undergone.
The Illusion of the Perfect Place
Many people move to a new country seeking a better life, often driven by financial motivations—better job opportunities, a higher standard of living, or a more stable economy. I’ve done this myself, leaving Venezuela for the United States, where I experienced the so-called “American Dream.” While my time in the States offered me opportunities I couldn’t find back home, it was clear to me that my journey was far from over. The U.S. was a stepping stone, not a final destination.
From America, I moved to England, where I lived what many would consider an ideal life. I had a good job, a wonderful partner, and the excitement of living in London—a city many dream of calling home. But even in the midst of this seemingly perfect life, I knew something was missing.
Greece: A Parallel Reality
When I first visited Greece, it wasn’t the economy or job opportunities that attracted me—quite the opposite. Greece reminded me of Venezuela in many ways, with its economic challenges and struggles. But there was something familiar and comforting about it. The warmth of the people, the beauty of the landscape, and the slower pace of life resonated with me on a deep level.
Moving to Greece wasn’t an easy decision. My wife, who had left Greece at 17 in search of a better life in the UK, wasn’t keen on returning. But I felt strongly that this was where we needed to be, especially after the birth of our daughter. It was a decision filled with doubt and second-guessing, particularly when I thought about the life we left behind in England. London, with all its opportunities and excitement, was hard to say goodbye to.
Embracing the Good and the Bad
The first few years in Greece were challenging. I constantly reminded myself of the negative aspects of life in England to justify our move—the weather, the high cost of living, the rigid social structures. This negative comparison helped me cope, but it wasn’t until I started accepting both the good and the bad of each place that I found true peace.
I’ve come to appreciate Greece for everything it is, both the positives and the negatives. The bureaucracy can be frustrating, and certain things could be more efficient, but the lifestyle—the food, the community, the natural beauty—makes it all worthwhile. I’ve learned to stop yearning for the past and to embrace the present fully.
The Internal Journey
This peace I’ve found isn’t tied to Greece; it’s tied to a shift within myself. I could live in England, the U.S., or even return to Venezuela and still find this peace because it’s not about the location—it’s about my mindset. I’ve learned to appreciate each place I’ve lived for what it offered me at that time in my life, without clinging to the idea that one place is inherently better than another.
For those of you considering a move abroad or struggling to find your place in a foreign land, I hope my journey offers some insight. No place is perfect, and the grass isn’t always greener on the other side. The key is to find peace within yourself, to embrace the good and the bad of wherever you are, and to understand that happiness isn’t a destination but a journey.
In the end, it’s not about where you live—it’s about how you live. And that’s a choice you can make no matter where in the world you find yourself.
