From UAE to USA
How I uprooted my life and am starting new (again) but better
Nearly four months ago, I voluntarily set my world on fire.
I uprooted myself from my sunshine, fitness, and friend-filled life in Dubai, UAE, and made the journey back to my home country, the United States, more specifically, my hometown of Columbus, Ohio.
Although the move was carefully planned, there are always elements that can still be overlooked.
In nature, there’s a type of pinecone known as serotinous cones, which only open in response to fire. When these cones ignite, they release seeds that help fertilize the soil, ensuring forests continue to thrive for generations.
It’s remarkable how nature can transform destruction into renewal.
From fire there’s growth.
The move from Dubai back to America has felt like this; a voluntary demolition followed by inevitable growth while the embers still burn.
What a gift it is to reconnect with so many people and places that have been out of reach when I’ve only had 3-4 weeks of US time per visit. Not to mention the ease of knowing I won’t be traveling 20+ hours to get anywhere.
The truth is, my life felt like something of a fairytale in Dubai at first glance. A beautiful and diverse group of friends, something to do every morning, day, and night, sunshine daily, and opportunities all over. Frequently running into friends and acquaintances at cafe’s around town always filled me with a sprinkle of joy, feeling like I was truly part of a small close-knit community.
One of the misconceptions of Dubai is that it is “fake.” I would akin this stereotype as simply judging the book by its cover. If you dig a little deeper, there is magic all around you. Dubai is truly a hub from the East and West, buzzing with opportunity, ideas, and people willing to take risks to make their dreams a reality. I can’t explain it, but if you surround yourself with the right people, filled with drive and a zest for life, you’ll find yourself inspired daily.
That sort of positive environment can make all the difference on your outlook of life and aspirations. From friends opening up their own brick-and-mortar shops, gyms, Ecomm businesses, and successful freelance and self-employed endeavors; the UAE is filled with people who don’t say “why me?” rather, “why NOT me?”
I’m a fan of romanticizing my life. At times when I was unhappy in Dubai, I leaned on this concept- reminding myself that I was still living a dream…my dream. Waking up to a beautiful sunrise, going for walks/runs on the beach, going to the beach year-round, surrounded by amazing communities, endless opportunities, access to grow your personal and professional network (with people who are always open to be friends), going to concerts without breaking the bank, and traveling the world.
But despite this, I was still yearning for a life closer to family. And although my list of “pros” for staying in Dubai could fill pages, my reasons for leaving seemed to pull me harder in that direction.
From fire, there’s growth.
I can’t really explain it, but I know that it will make sense in time. This in-between moment- of figuring out ‘what’s next’ of answering the ‘why’ questions, and of answering the ‘how’s the job search going’ inquiries will all eventually pass.
From fire, there’s growth.
That’s where I am now; in the throws of this ride called life. Feeling more foreign than American, but filled with joy to be back. And while in theory I’m starting again, I’m also starting with a wealth of knowledge that I didn’t have before. My outlook on life, work, relationships, and perceptions of ‘living your dream,’ has changed forever and arguably for the better.
From football games to increased family time, the little things that I’ve missed for the past eight years have been a welcomed change of pace despite the other adjustments I’ve experienced.
It definitely is a tradeoff of amenities. The novelty hasn’t worn off quite yet, but just as it took me nearly two years to feel ‘home’ abroad, I’m expecting the same timeframe to feel adjusted back here; all the while knowing that I may never have the same sense of belonging anywhere.
Did I move back for more robust opportunities; only to be met with skepticism of my qualifications since I’ve been abroad?
Did I move back so I can strategically choose where I can live based on the political climate of each city/state?
Did I move back to witness an election season that is truly mind-boggling?
Did I move back so I can see America for what it is- a country filled with pride but shallow perceptions (and stereotypes) of the rest of the world?
Did I move back because I was tired of the American FOMO?
Yes to it all…. crazily enough.
The American dream as we know it is shifting, but I’m idealistic enough to believe it is still possible- for me and for others. Maybe I’ve already been living it; the shift from rushing into the ‘college-job-partner-house-family’ cycle to living a large life learning to be alone before settling into anything else.
I can’t say I knew that my life would end up this way, but I am grateful for every plot twist so far. Sometimes it’s about the perspective of the past, before fretting too much about the future, and simply enjoying the present. You probably don’t have to move across the world to figure that out.
I am here. Right now. Over 7,000 miles from my adopted home, but exactly where I’m meant to be.
And just as the pinecone needs fire to grow into something new, people are like that, too. They start over and find a way.
Thanks for reading! You’ll find notes on finding the joy in each day whether it’s helpful habits, health, training, relationships, or general observations about life.