Why Do People Move From One Country to Another? A Fresh Start

A woman with suitcases in an alley moving from one country to another

Have you ever wondered why people choose to leave the familiar behind and start anew in a foreign land? What drives individuals like Lotte Bowser, author of Bittersweet, to uproot their lives and seek healing in unfamiliar territories?

Exploring why people move from one country to another reveals complex motivations ranging from grief to hope. Bowser’s journey demonstrates how a change of scenery can provide a symbolic break from the past while creating space for new possibilities and emotional healing.

Let’s look at how the streets of a new city can become pathways to rediscovering yourself.

Moving to a Different Country for a Fresh Start

Bittersweet explores why people move from one country to another. Bowser chose to move to Lisbon, motivated by her grief and her desire to embrace fresh possibilities, as she aims to start afresh. This choice marks a clear and symbolic break from her past, allowing her to create a new life of her own making, while still holding onto her profound love for Ben.

Seeking Rejuvenation in a New City

Bowser portrays her move to the Portuguese capital as a search for rejuvenation, propelled by the desire to break free from the profound grief and multiple bereavements that had marred her previously tranquil surroundings. She recognizes the chance to forge a fresh existence in a metropolis that embodies hopeful recollections and an atmosphere of potential, unlike London. Lisbon offers her the opportunity to reshape her identity and create a life filled with happiness, exploration, and meaningful relationships.

Other Perspectives

Building meaningful relationships often takes time, and the initial phase of moving to a new city might be marked by a lack of support network, which is crucial during times of grief.
The idea of rejuvenation in a new city might be overly romanticized, as adapting to a new culture and environment often comes with its own set of challenges and stressors.
The sense of hope and potential attributed to Lisbon could be a result of the novelty effect, which might wear off as the new city becomes more familiar.
Exploration as a concept does not necessarily require a change of cities; one can explore and grow within their current environment.

A Transformative Quest for Healing

Bowser reflects on her path to personal growth and healing after moving to Lisbon, highlighting the complex blend of feelings tied to rebuilding her life following the loss of Ben. The city provides a sense of freedom, a stark contrast to the stifling feeling she endured during her stay in the British capital. She embraces new experiences, immersing herself in the community’s customs and forging warm relationships with the locals who greet her with open arms. Bowser acknowledges the importance of moving forward with care, cherishing the joy found in daily occurrences, and embracing the opportunity to fall in love again, despite the continuous emptiness created by Ben’s absence. She takes comfort in the notion that Ben’s essence continues to be by her side throughout her journey, manifesting in the natural world’s splendor and the resilience she discovers within herself.

Context

The city’s diverse culinary scene, including traditional dishes like bacalhau and pastel de nata, can be a source of new experiences and joy.
This journey often includes learning new skills, gaining independence, and discovering new passions or interests that contribute to a fulfilling life.
Lisbon typically has a lower cost of living compared to London, which can alleviate financial stress and contribute to a greater sense of freedom and opportunity.
Engaging with the community typically requires learning the local language or dialect, which can enhance communication and foster stronger connections with residents.
Participating in shared activities, such as cooking classes, art workshops, or volunteer work, can help in creating bonds with locals.
It can include setting boundaries to protect oneself from situations or relationships that may hinder healing or progress.
Sharing and appreciating small moments with others can strengthen relationships, fostering a sense of community and belonging.
Moving forward to embrace new love can be part of the healing process, aligning with the acceptance stage in the Kübler-Ross model of grief.
The absence of a loved one can challenge a person’s sense of identity, especially if the relationship was a core part of their life. This can lead to a feeling of emptiness as they navigate who they are without that person.
Some spiritual beliefs suggest that the deceased can communicate or manifest through signs in nature, such as a specific type of bird or a sudden change in weather.
The writer might find personal meaning in specific natural elements, such as sunsets or ocean waves, which could evoke memories of Ben or symbolize aspects of his personality, reinforcing his presence in her life.
Interacting with nature has been shown to improve mental health and resilience by reducing stress and promoting a sense of peace and well-being.