Things I Have Learned About Myself While In Brussels

I was chatting with a 45-year-old friend of mine the other day and she said, “You are so lucky that you can learn so much about yourself at such a young age through this experience. It takes some people a lifetime to learn as much about themselves as you will probably learn in the next five years.” So this got me thinking…“What have I learned about myself and life already?” Here are a few things…

1. I hate writing letters and e-mails. (I think a few of you might have already figured this one out!) I am a very “here and now” friend. Basically, if you are in my here and now I love to hang out with you and talk as often as possible. However, if you are away from me, I think of you OFTEN, but never get around to writing. I feel horrible about that, but I have finally accepted that that is just me.

2. I am really good at making friends (just not always keeping up with them once they are goneJ). I know that is a pompous comment, but that is the truth. In six months I have made some incredible friends and have had a great time doing it. Now if only I could make that into a money-making enterprise…

3. You job defines you a lot more than you realize. I have never thought of myself as a “career woman” (meaning having a strong desire to climb the corporate ladder) but I have a much harder time defining myself now that I don’t work. I think I have been a great friend to people here, but a paycheck definitely validates your existence a lot more than thinking you are a good friend.

4. However, I also think the quote, “What do we live for if not to make life less difficult for each other” really holds true. It is not the job that will define our life as much as the people we have touched.

5. Being flexible is the key to life. I have learned to laugh when I get lost and see it as a new adventure (thanks to Moa!), and I have been able to go to a lot more lunches and coffees since I am available at the drop of a hat and don’t have to plan for weeks ahead to make the date fit.

6. Learning a new language is REALLY hard.

7. It is much easier to make friends in a foreign country than it is in the USA. It is amazing how you immediately drop all of your guards and pretenses when you are abroad. Ironically enough, the people I get most nervous/stressed-out/up-tight to see are American women because I feel like there is some standard that I am supposed to live up to (dressed nicely, made up, nice clothes etc.) whereas I feel most comfortable with the people that live outside the US.

8. I like being by myself a lot more than I ever realized. At home I was constantly going from one thing to the next so I always thought I liked to be busy. However, now that I am here and have more time alone I have realized that I really like it! Who knew I had a little bit of introvert in me!?!

9. I am a pretty good cook. I still have trouble actually following a recipe, but that is because I always want to add my own touch to it. I will never be a Betty Crocker, but I have gained enough confidence in the kitchen to feel comfortable there.

10. Who knows what else I will figure out about myself in the coming years. I have decided to take this time to explore as many opportunities as possible. I have taken up knitting and have also just recently bought a few paint brushes and a canvas. I have been enjoying cooking and am about to attempt to sew something! Basically I am doing all of the HomeEc things I never did because I was too busy socializing!