Why I Moved to Latvia: A Journey to Find Clarity and Meaning

Vanessa Harris
6 days ago
4 min read

Just a few short days ago, I boarded a plane to Latvia to begin a six-month term that feels equal parts exciting and terrifying. It’s not just about moving to a new country, it’s about stepping into the unknown, both externally and within myself. This moment marks the culmination of an emotional journey that began with a desire to escape my life and has led to something much deeper: a chance to reconnect with what truly matters.

As I settle in, I want to share the emotions, realizations, and hopes that have brought me to this point.

1. The Year Everything Changed

2022 was the hardest year of my life. Losing both of my parents, navigating a separation, and ultimately going through a divorce left me feeling untethered as if everything familiar had been stripped away.

For a while, all I wanted was to escape. I spent countless hours imagining how a change of scenery... a new country, a new culture... might help me forget the weight of my grief. I convinced myself that a fresh start somewhere far away could fix everything.

But as time passed, I realized that running away wouldn’t heal me. What I was really searching for wasn’t an escape from my life but a way to make peace with it, a way to build something meaningful in the aftermath of so much loss.

2. Coming Back to What Matters

In the midst of my grief, I began to see what I truly valued. Spending time with my family in Nanaimo became a source of grounding and connection. Being close to them reminded me of the importance of relationships, love, and support.

For the first time in a long time, I stopped running from my emotions and started listening to them. I began to ask myself deeper questions: What kind of life do I want to live? What truly matters to me?

What I realized surprised me. It wasn’t about reinventing myself in some far-off place. What I craved was balance, purpose, and a connection to my core values: movement, mindfulness, community, and nature.

3. Why Latvia?

So, why Latvia? When I first came across the opportunity for a job there, I didn’t immediately see it as the answer. It felt like a leap into the unknown, and part of me wondered if it was just another attempt to escape.

But the more I thought about it, the more Latvia felt like the right choice, not as an escape, but as a stepping stone toward clarity. It offered a chance to slow down, reflect, and explore who I am and what I want without the distractions of my old life.

Latvia’s serene landscapes, understated charm, and slower pace felt like an invitation to breathe. I imagine walking through its forests, sitting by the ocean, and being surrounded by a quiet that mirrors the calm I’m hoping to cultivate within myself.

4. What I Hope to Find

As I settle into my new home, I don’t have all the answers. But I do have a vision... a life built around the things that bring me peace and purpose:

Movement: Staying connected to my body through fitness, yoga, and intentional practices.
Mindfulness: Cultivating a deeper connection to the present moment.
Community: Building meaningful relationships and sharing experiences with others.
Nature: Finding inspiration and grounding in the natural world.

Latvia feels like the perfect place to explore these values and see what emerges when I give myself the time and space to focus on what truly matters.

5. Stepping Into the Unknown

I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous. Moving to a new country, even for a short time, is daunting. There are so many unknowns, so many questions I can’t yet answer.

But for the first time in a long time, I feel hopeful. I’m no longer searching for an escape. I’m searching for a way forward. This move feels like a bridge between the life I’ve lived and the life I want to create.

Latvia isn’t the final destination; it’s part of the journey. It’s a chance to reflect, heal, and dream. When I return, I hope to bring with me a clearer sense of who I am and what I want to build in the next chapter of my life.

Looking Forward

I’m grateful for the lessons I’ve learned, the people who have supported me, and the opportunities that have led me to this moment. Latvia represents possibility, reflection, and hope.

I don’t know exactly what I’ll find here, but I know this: I’m ready. Ready to embrace the unknown, to listen to my heart, and to create a life that feels meaningful and true.

If you’ve ever stood at the edge of a big decision, uncertain but hopeful, I’d love to hear your story. Let’s inspire each other to take leaps of faith and build lives that reflect what we truly value.