I am an Indian living in Canada. I moved here in 2016 to pursue my post-graduate studies. When you move from a country where you have lived for 20 years of your life, it is challenging.
Staying away from family and friends for 600 days is difficult. The feeling of loneliness overpowers you once in a while. Yesterday, I was having one of those days.
Suddenly, at 11 pm, I received a text from one of my best friends, James. He asked me if I wanted to join him for a party organised by a fellow classmate, Mark. I hesitated at first, but he insisted by saying “everyone is expecting you”. Reading this, I decided to go ahead.
When I entered, everyone paused for a minute and welcomed me. One of my classmates, Sophia came to me and said “everyone here is so proud of you”. James came to me and said “we are so glad to see you here”. It came as a surprise to me as I was the only brown in a party of 30–35 people. I am not a frequent drinker, Sophia came to me with an iced tea and introduced me to everyone.
They all gave me an overwhelming welcome despite the fact that I am not very close to them. Anyone who has lived outside India would know that it is not very common here to get such an overwhelming response.
I stayed there for three hours and it was one of the best times I have had in this country. I went on talking to my classmates from other section about places and people of India. And in return, they taught me some Canadian slang and dance moves!
After this, I realised that sometimes its all about “Leaning in”. You will always be treated as a foreigner until you make efforts to be a part of them. You cannot get happiness until you decide to suffer. Embrance anything and everyone surrounding you.
As strange as it is, you never know how many days you have on this beautiful earth. So let us all find happiness in small things around us and let nothing affect our peace and happiness.
(I made some new friends!)