Photo by NASA from Unsplash
Wrong Country
About
Have you ever had the thought of not belonging where you live?
We’re all born somewhere when our lifelong journey begins. The majority of people take it as it is where they live their lives. Going to school, later to work, and starting a family. Following what society wants us to do. We choose our job, our friends, and our relationships. But there are things we can not choose, like where we’re born, and in which country. This is a huge part that determines our entire life. Society, Government, History, and the people that form a country. When we join this planet, we have no influence on any of these circumstances. We grow up, develop our personalities, more or less to our own will and go along with life.
This is something most people don’t spend a thought about. While there are minorities who don’t accept the circumstances they were born into. The country that’s supposed to be called their home sometimes appears to be anything but home. Everyone is constantly evolving professionally and personally.
As adults, we’re more and more drawn to question the things around us. We agree or disagree with our environment, that’s totally normal. Sometimes there’s that feeling that something isn’t right. That feeling goes on and on until we realize that the place we once called “Home” doesn’t really feel like home anymore.
What does the term “Country” mean?
In my opinion, a country is the sum of many different aspects. It’s more than just a flag and landmark. A country is determined by its people, values, climate, and ideals. History is what developed a state into what it is today, with all the good and bad things. It’s the people who not only keep the spirit of a country “alive” but also define it in a certain way, by their thoughts, beliefs, and actions.
Photo by Marek Studzinski from Unsplash
Living in the Wrong Country
In my opinion, a country is the sum of many different aspects. It’s more than just a flag and landmark. A country is determined by its people, values, climate, and ideals. History is what developed a state into what it is today, with all the good and bad things. It’s the people who not only keep the spirit of a country “alive” but also define it in a certain way, by their thoughts, beliefs, and actions.
What that does to someone’s mental health is leave scars and a feeling of not become welcome anymore. When you’re at a certain point where you already feel like an immigrant in the country you were born and grew up, there’s nothing to lose when moving away. When your interests and values align more with a different country, some people might call you crazy. Not many understand what it feels like to feel they don’t belong in this country. The majority simply takes it as normal to live in that country. But you don’t.
There are many explanations for why people feel not belonging in the country they grew up and lived in for years. Whatever the reasons are, I believe it’s going to hurt you mentally in the long run, the longer you stay there. Mental health and happiness are the most important things in our lives. It’s been said that we only find happiness inside ourselves. I agree with that, but when you’re environment is constantly throwing negativity at you, people and the overall climate, it’s almost impossible to find happiness. Living to our fullest potential is another aspect that’s held back by the environment.
All you want is, to have a more normal life. Living somewhere for what you stand for is aligning more with the spirit and society of the country you believe suits you best.
Photo by Glenn Carstens-Peters from Unsplash
"My Country"
The phrase “my country” is something that makes you feel rather uncomfortable, not knowing where you truly belong. Anywhere but where you’re right now. Your country is not the place you were born or where you live. It’s rather the nation you believe in belonging to. At least for now, until you made your first step out there. Finding the place where you belong. Finding peace, a more normal life, and happiness.
Nobody is born with a nationality, it’s rather a choice we make ourselves. Either a calling or a choice for some reason. It is not about what the passport says about you, especially not when it makes you uncomfortable. It’s rather a decision, a feeling of belonging.
Whatever your reason is you have those feelings, you’re certainly not alone. Some people were either born in the wrong country or grew up and lived where they do not belong. You shouldn’t be ashamed of having those feelings. Be proud of being different because people like us are the reasons why countries got a vast cultural variety. Brought by immigrants who left to start new, finding a new purpose in the country of their choice. Be proud of who you are. It’s your character and your heart that define who you are, what you are, and what your true nationality is. As long as it feels right everything is good for you.
Photo by Nicole Geri from Unsplash
When you feel like living in the wrong country
- The weather affects your mood
- Feeling uncomfortable when filling out forms where you have to state “your” nationality
- You might be offended by that nationality
- You might prefer a different language than the language spoken in the country
- You feel foreign, like an immigrant
- Wanting to leave and do everything possible to do so
- You hang up the flag of your “chosen Country”
- Wanting to feel normal, live a normal life
- Striving to be part of the community, the national spirit of your “chosen Country”
Final thoughts
Everyone should be able to live in a country they feel safe, comfortable, and happy. This might not always be the one we were born in but on our journey, through life, we’re certainly going to find out where our place on this planet truly is.
It’s not proven yet that living in “the wrong Country” has an impact on our mental health, but in my opinion, it has. I know and feel it every single day.
It’s healthy to question who we are, what we want in life, and where we belong. If it doesn’t feel right, if it’s hurting you it’s about time to move on. Sometimes it’s that big step we have to make, to find our destiny.
Home is where you feel comfortable and meant to be.
Self-educated creative problem solver and entrepreneur. Writing about personal development, self-education, photography & filmmaking.
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#ProjectWrongCountry #WrongCountry #language #bilingual #personality #nationality #NationalIdentity