Belonging Across Borders: Staying Connected to Your Roots

Hi everyone,

Have you ever felt torn between two places—one where you live and one where your heart feels at home?

Since moving to Germany last year, I’ve often reflected on this sense of belonging. While I’m trying to build a life here, part of me still feels deeply connected to Turkey; through the language, the culture, and the memories that shaped me.

What does it truly mean to belong? Is it tied to geography, relationships, or something deeper?

The Duality of Belonging

Living abroad brings a unique tension:

• On one hand, you’re trying to adapt, to integrate into your new surroundings and create a life.

• On the other, you’re constantly drawn to the place where your roots lie, where your culture, language, and identity were formed.

This isn’t a conflict—it’s a duality.

Belonging doesn’t have to be a tug-of-war between where you are and where you come from. Instead, it can be fluid, evolving with your experiences and circumstances.

You don’t have to choose one over the other. You can carry your roots with you while growing new ones in the place you now call home.

Belonging is not about exclusivity; it’s about expansion. It’s the recognition that you are shaped by both worlds—the traditions and values of your past, and the opportunities and experiences of your present.

Understanding this duality is freeing.

It means you can honor your heritage without feeling guilty about embracing your new life. It means finding peace in being a part of both, without feeling like you’re betraying either.

Why Roots Matter

Staying connected to where you come from gives you a sense of stability, even in a foreign environment.

It reminds you of who you are, what you value, and the experiences that shaped you.But it’s also important to nurture your sense of belonging to the place you’re living now.

Finding community, learning the language, and embracing new traditions doesn’t erase your roots—it expands them.

A Personal Reflection

When I moved to Germany, I brought with me my identity, my language, and my connection to Turkey. But I quickly realized that belonging isn’t just about geography. It’s about relationships, values, and the memories you create wherever you are.

I still feel deeply tied to Turkey. Checking the news every day is a small way to stay connected. It keeps me grounded, even when the physical distance feels overwhelming.

At the same time, we need to invest in the life we’re building in a new place. I’m still facing challenges, but I’m learning how to make that investment—learning the language, connecting with new people, embracing unfamiliar traditions, and discovering small moments of joy in a place that’s still becoming home.

How to Balance Where You Are and Where You’re From

1️⃣ Stay Connected to Your Roots:
Keep traditions alive, stay updated on what’s happening back home, and celebrate your culture.

2️⃣ Build Community Where You Are:
Find groups or activities that help you feel at home in your new environment.

3️⃣ Embrace the Duality:
Belonging doesn’t have to be exclusive. You can hold space for both your roots and your new life.

4️⃣ Reflect on Your Journey:
Write, talk, or think about how these two places shape your identity. It’s not about leaving one behind—it’s about expanding who you are.

Your Turn

Where do you feel you belong most? How do you stay connected to your roots while building a life somewhere new?

(Reply to this email or comment below)

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