Moving to a new country as an adult is challenging enough, but doing so with a 6-month-old baby was overwhelming. Far from family and everything familiar, I found myself navigating uncharted territory in more ways than one.
Today, as I celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, I’m reflecting on my journey as a Mexican immigrant mom in the US and the lessons I’ve learned while balancing my roots with my new life. Here are 5 lessons I learned on this past 7 years:
1. Letting Go of What No Longer Serves You
One of the first things I learned is that there’s nothing wrong with letting go. As immigrants, we often feel like we’re betraying our roots if we change. But change is inevitable, and it doesn’t mean losing who you are. It’s okay to release parts of your culture that no longer resonate, while keeping the values and traditions that are most important to you. In fact, that’s one of the gifts of being an immigrant—you get to create new traditions and adapt to a different lifestyle.
2. Don’t Expect to Live the Same Way You Did Before
Trying to replicate my life exactly as it was in Mexico only led to frustration. Life in a new country will never be exactly the same, and clinging to the past made adapting harder. Embrace the change, and be patient with yourself as you build a new life. It takes time, but eventually, you’ll find a lifestyle that brings you joy and comfort.
3. Making Friends Should Be a Priority
In the beginning, your friends and family back home will make an effort to stay in touch, and you may even have guests visiting frequently. But over time, people get busy, and those interactions become less frequent. This is why making friends in your new country is so important. It may feel awkward at first, especially if you’re communicating in a second language, but don’t be discouraged! It takes time to build connections, but eventually, you’ll find your tribe.
After seven years, I still think I’m funnier in Spanish, but I’m confident that someone will laugh at my English jokes one day!
4. Embrace the Opportunity for Family Time
When we first moved, we spent a lot of time together as a family. With no extended family or close friends nearby, we focused on each other and on giving our daughter quality time. Those early days of just the three of us were special. Now, with school and social activities filling our schedule, I look back and cherish those moments of togetherness. They were a gift, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to bond with my family during that time.
5. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions
Moving to a new country means navigating a steep learning curve. From understanding how health insurance works to figuring out the public school system, I’ve had to ask countless questions along the way. And you know what? That’s okay! Never be ashamed to ask for clarification—ask as many times as you need until you fully understand. The sense of accomplishment that comes with mastering something new is worth it.
My immigrant journey has been one of growth, resilience, and transformation. It hasn’t always been easy, but I’ve learned to embrace change and find balance between my Mexican roots and my new life in the US. After seven years, I can confidently say that being an immigrant has helped me grow in ways I never imagined.
As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, let’s honor our journeys and the unique blend of cultures that make us who we are.
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