are you living away from home?

In 2008, I made the move—from my small countryside town in Belgium to Australia. It was impulsive. I didn’t overthink it. I met a good-looking stranger and followed him across the world. Ahh, the fun of being 24.

I wasn’t sure how long I would stay, or even if I would enjoy living there. But this crazy decision turned out to be one of the best I’ve ever made. And like many people, I thought: that’s it—the move is done, the paperwork is sorted, and now I can just enjoy life here… right?

But there’s actually much more to it.

It’s not a decision you make once and then forget. You remake that decision a little bit every day—for years. Moving away, no matter the reason, is a lifelong process. Yes, you’re in a new place, and yes, it can be everything you hoped for. But you also lose everything that was once familiar.

The language might be different, and even if you become fluent, your accent never fully disappears. People will keep asking where you’re from, no matter how long you’ve lived there. Is it fun? Sometimes. I’ve always thought people sound different in their own language—the way they laugh, giggle, or make little noises when they’re not consciously speaking.

Food doesn’t quite bring back childhood memories, because it’s never exactly the same. It’s not made with the same ingredients, in the same pots, by the same people. Flavors

bring comfort—they bring you home. Think of your favorite dish from back home. Imagine having it right now. Your eyes would probably light up just thinking about it.

New families—whether through in-laws, friends, or even extended relatives—no matter how wonderful, never quite feel like the home you once knew. Celebrations like Christmas and birthdays always carry a quiet reminder that you’re away. Maybe you’re grateful—perhaps you feel safer or more appreciated—but it still resonates differently inside.

Even the little things change: the houses, the atmosphere, the gardens and parks… even the way birds sing. In Belgium, birds are small, gentle, and melodic—like something out of a fairy tale. In Australia, they have main-character energy: loud, bold, and often high-pitched, as if they’re shouting, “I will take you down!”

I could go on with endless examples of what we miss—but you get the idea.

If you’re living away from your home country—whether for a better life, safety, love, or work—be gentle with yourself. This decision has long-term effects, and it’s okay to miss the things your body and mind once knew so well. It’s okay to feel great about your choice 95% of the time and still have days when you don’t.

That doesn’t mean you regret your decision or want to undo it. It simply means you miss what was once familiar.

You don’t have to “get over it” after a certain number of years. You’re allowed to feel nostalgia. You’re allowed to feel homesick.

Whatever your journey, I hope—like mine—it turns out to be a beautiful one. And that, despite the things you miss, it’s a life that truly makes you happy.