Upon moving to Finland, I have had to learn to be like a kid again. Learning Finnish in the full-time course made me temporarily forget how fragile my sense of value was, since I felt that I had done pretty well in that department.
Reality check came loud and hard when it was time for me to do my trainings. Even though my Finnish is MUCH better than last year, but still doing something totally new that involves speaking (giving proper information) and listening in Finnish is altogether different from learning Finnish in a classroom.
These two types of trainings have shaken my sense of value (well, this training does that more than the first one). I've never had any work experiences in these two types of training places, so I really have to learn everything from zero. I feel incompetent and useless from time to time and as you know, that's not one of the best feelings in the world.
Every day I have to hold on to thin threads of "glories" whenever I feel that I've done just ONE thing right, whenever I feel that I've done just ONE thing well enough. I have to learn to hold on to those moments and let go of all those "failures" (and I have to keep on kicking their asses whenever they want to show up their faces again he he). Otherwise I'd want to crumble and not even try to do my best.
I talked about this with my best friends and their responses really encouraged me. I feel that I'm not so alone anymore, since they've also experienced the same thing, not only once, but over and over and over again. :-))))
Now I've set up my mind to learn to walk like a small kid...taking small, somewhat agitated, fearful, doubtful steps, hoping that someday I can walk as well as the "adults" and then over time I can learn to run...and run fast!!! Boy, it must be GOOD to feel the wind in my face then...but I must be patient and HOPEFUL.
I'm again learning to embrace myself every single day and tell myself that I'm okay even though I make mistakes, even though I'm not THAT good yet, but I'm going to do MY BEST with whatever I can do well (even if it means I'm only good at cleaning shelves or mopping the floor!). I'm NOT going to let myself be stuck in a rut. Even if it's only a millimeter away, I should count that as an improvement and I should try to get there with all my might. I'm trying to learn to walk with enthusiasm even when I stumble here and there, not with discouragement. The journey's gonna be rough, but this is what it means to grow. This is the price I have to pay for moving to Finland. :-)))
I don't know yet what I want to do in the future (job-wise), but I know that I'm in VERY GOOD HANDS. After all, I've got everything I need (and MUCH MORE) ever since I moved to Finland: all those MIRACLES and open doors of opportunities. :-)))))
In the meantime, all I can do is just keep on learning, keep on "stretching" as best as I can, keep on doing the best that I can with what I can give, know that it is enough, and wait for His open doors...
With your keen learnign spirit and positive attitute, you'll do well in everything you put your heart and soul in Amel. We all have days when we feel a little inadequate but that's just normal. You're doing fine and most importantly, you're a source of joy to your hubby and his family members in Finland. Don't doubt in yourself. Instead, celebrate your achievement. You have blended into the community so well and have achieved alot in a short time, I'm proud of you!
ReplyDeleteBlur Ting: THANKS SO MUCH for your support. :-))) It's true that if my relationship with hubby and his family isn't good, then I'll probably break down.
ReplyDeletePlus without this blogging community and friends like you, I don't know how well I can manage this journey. It's a good feeling to be able to share my ups and downs and receiving feedback. :-))))
Best of luck to you, you are a very strong person and I have no doubt you will overcome the difficulties. It is the challenges life puts us through that make the life satisfying. I wish you all the best.
ReplyDeleteHugs¡
Bitter Chocolate: THANKSSSS for your well-wishes and kind words. :-))) Yep, you're right about the challenges in life. HUGS back! ;-D
ReplyDeletehiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii
ReplyDeleteyou are fantastic!!!
a kiss for you, my dear friend!
god bless u dear
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r u ready to do?
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Learning a new language isn't always easy, but you have the right attitude and mindset. You will therefore do really well.
ReplyDeleteRohit: THANKS for your compliment. :-)))
ReplyDeleteMother Hen: THANKS SO MUCH for your encouragement. It means A LOT to me! :-)))))))
(((Amel)))
ReplyDeleteYou'll never be a failure because you know how to learn from life. Real failures are those who get stuck and use whatever happens as an excuse not to try again - that is so not you!!
And trying and not succeedng is NOT the same as failing, in my opinion. I read a great article recently where a teacher pointed out that we're raising kids afraid to try because theu're afraid of failing. So they don't even try out in the first place.
I have this old "thought for the day" thing that goes:
Wisdom comes from experience and experience comes from making mistakes... and learning from them.
:-)
Michelle: What made me feel like a failure was that I almost wanted to just "sit still and do nothing", even though I managed to get rid of that feeling eventually he he he...
ReplyDeleteTHANKS SO MUCH for your hugs and kind words, though. And for your perspective, as well. You're right about the fear of failing and making mistakes. I shall remember your words. :-))))
I'm reading this some 4 years after you wrote it, and having read your more recent blog posts, I'm not going to say "You go, girl!" but rather, "You did it girl! Way to go!"
ReplyDelete@Katriina: Life is to be understood backwards (well, not in every case, but in most cases) is an understatement, isn't it? :-D THANKS for the cheers! I've got plenty of help from friends and blogger friends and miracles along the way he he...
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