"Embracing Your Roots: Staying True to Yourself in a Foreign Land"

Honouring Your Roots: Living Authentically While Abroad

It is natural to admire other cultures and countries. Many people are drawn to the attractions of foreign films, music, fashion, and lifestyles, often imagining a glamorous and free-spirited life abroad. However, this admiration can sometimes lead to underestimating your own culture, values, and identity. This is especially true when living in a foreign country, where staying true to yourself often requires valuing your roots, heritage, and personal values. Maintaining a connection with your cultural identity is key to living authentically and cultivating a strong sense of self, even in a different cultural environment.

Re-evaluate the strengths of your culture and values

Every culture and country have unique strengths, which can serve as sources of pride and guidance for individuals living abroad. These qualities are not exclusive to any one group but are valuable for everyone who seeks a deeper understanding of themselves and their identity.

For example:

• Rich history and traditions: Every culture offers unique customs, rituals, and philosophies that provide depth, meaning, and perspective to its identity.

  
  

• Language and communication: Your native language and cultural expressions help you understand yourself better and enable genuine connections with others, even across cultures.

  
  

• Ethics and values: The principles, manners, and values inherited from your culture shape your moral compass and inform your everyday decisions.

  
  

These strengths can become essential assets while living abroad. The goal is not to completely assimilate into another culture, but to respect and embrace your own values while remaining open to and accepting of different perspectives. By staying grounded in your cultural identity, you can navigate cultural differences with confidence and authenticity.

The importance of valuing your roots

Being proud of your own culture does not mean rejecting others. Rather, it means respecting and valuing your heritage while appreciating other cultures. Understanding and honouring your roots provides a stable foundation that helps you connect meaningfully with diverse communities. This awareness of self is essential for living authentically and maintaining your identity, no matter where you are in the world.

My personal experience

Having lived in the UK for over 20 years, I have experienced periods of confusion and inner conflict about my identity. Especially in intercultural family life, I sometimes struggled to balance Japanese values with those of my British environment.

However, through self-reflection, learning, and counselling practice, I gradually began to embrace and take pride in my Japanese identity. Recognizing and valuing my cultural roots became a source of personal strength and clarity. By honouring my own heritage, I was able to deepen my understanding and respect for others, and my relationships became more genuine, harmonious, and fulfilling.

Finding your authentic self abroad

If you ever feel lost, disconnected, or overwhelmed while living in a foreign country, take the time to reflect on your heritage, values, and the qualities that make you unique. This process is not about trying to fit into another culture, but about staying true to yourself.

Pride in your roots and values provides a strong foundation for living authentically, building self-confidence, and engaging with others in a respectful, balanced way.

Locus of Life: Supporting your journey

As a counsellor, my goal is to help you rediscover your authentic self and guide you toward a fulfilling, meaningful life. Together, we can explore and expand your unique Locus of Life—the trajectory of your personal growth, cultural identity, and life experiences. By reconnecting with your roots and embracing your authentic self, you can live with confidence, self-acceptance, and joy, even in a foreign environment.

Let’s embark on this journey together and create your Locus of Life!