For over 18 years, Saudi Arabia was my home. It was where I built my life, created routines, and formed deep connections. I never imagined leaving—it felt like a place I would always belong. But then, life had different plans. The time came when we had to move on.
At first, I resisted the idea completely. I kept thinking; how can I leave everything behind? The familiar streets, the friendships, the routines—all of it felt like a part of me. The uncertainty of what lay ahead was overwhelming. Where will we go? How will I start over? It felt like I was losing my foundation, and the fear of the unknown took over.
Packing the Memories, Not Just the Boxes
I faced the situation the only way I knew how—by moving forward, even if my heart wasn’t fully ready. I started packing everything, boxing up not just belongings but memories from the life I had built. Friends noticed how I was handling the transition and told me, “You’re moving forward without looking back.” But deep down, I was carrying so much more than just suitcases—I was carrying the weight of leaving behind a home where some of my children were born and raised, a place where friendships had turned into family.
Every item I packed held meaning—a reminder of the moments we shared, the milestones we celebrated, and the comfort of a life that felt so stable. I wasn’t just leaving a house; I was leaving behind years of laughter, struggles, and bonds that had shaped who I was. The reality of saying goodbye to colleagues who had become like siblings, and to friends whose children had grown up alongside mine, was incredibly painful.
A Lesson in Embracing Change
Looking back, I see now that moving wasn’t just about relocating physically—it was about transforming emotionally. Change challenges us, but it also expands us. It teaches us resilience, flexibility, and the ability to find strength in uncertainty.
If you’re going through a major transition, I want to remind you: You are more capable of adapting than you think. The fear of change is real, but so is your ability to navigate it. Instead of asking, why is this happening to me? try asking, what can this change teach me?
Embracing change doesn’t mean it won’t feel difficult—it means trusting that something new and beautiful can come from it. And from my own journey, I can tell you: It absolutely can.
“Have you ever experienced a big life transition? Share your thoughts in the comments below—I’d love to hear your story!”
