There are certain things I expected when I moved to Chile - new language, different food, missing my home and friends. Identity loss wasn't one of them. Sure, I've gladly remained in the roles of "mom" and "wife," but lost - for the moment - are my other roles of OT, mentor, coach. After working so hard for many years, it's pretty difficult to slam on the brakes and adjust to a different lifestyle. As an OT, I'm used to helping people reinvent themselves and establish role identity. I am just not very good at helping myself. I'm experiencing major withdrawal symptoms - all of which are completely normal but downright frustrating.
Don't get me wrong: I am enjoying my time here, learning another language and culture, and I really enjoy traveling and socializing, but now that we've settled in I need something to do - something meaningful and cerebral. Many of my Texan friends recommended taking time off, relaxing, traveling. I am doing just that, but I also need to move on to something more of a challenge.
So, I started an intensive Spanish language course. Everyday, 4-5 hours per day for the next 4-6 weeks the kids go to school and so do I. Becoming fluent is definitely a step into a new role, which as yet, excitingly, remains to be seen.
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