It is quite natural to feel lonely in a new place. And especially when it is a new country and new people, then this feeling of loneliness gets even stronger. To handle it and see the other side of the road is not very easy. Your vision gets blurry on several occasions. Your decisions become tough and unsure. Very soon, you start feeling lonely as there are not many people to talk or mingle with.

 

In USA is not like India, where you will see sabjiwala or doodhwala or some neighbor knocking at your door or a short chit-chat that you overhear at the end of the road where you will see people catching up with their friends over chai and samosa. Even if you don’t know these people, but still, when you see them around you, you don’t feel lonely. And it’s in contrast with the USA lifestyle. If you live in an apartment (flat system), then you will still be able to find some people’s connections. But if you live in an independent house, then you have to wait for the weekends or evenings to have some social connection. Throughout the week, people are busy with their work and kid’s activities. Over the weekend, you will see them outside their houses doing their yard work or some home-related work. You will exchange some friendly gestures, but once again, everyone will be inside their houses. Before we move forward, try to imagine your day in an above-described manner. How do you feel?

 

 

What do you think looking the image? One can see it as a dry land with least scope of setting up a garden but someone who has the knowledge of soil may see it as a fertile land which needs little bit of extra care but can be converted into a beautiful garden. It is the difference of choice and attitude.

 

For someone new to the USA, this lifestyle can be a little odd. I have seen many people who come here, finding it hard to adjust. To them, it is quite challenging to accept it. They experience loneliness. So far, they have been used to seeing people around them and informally meeting them, but now they are stuck inside the four walls of their house. Very soon, boredom starts to convert into something serious.

 

At this time, if you try to learn something new, engage yourself into something productive and useful, make new friends, learn about the new culture, then you would be able to cope up with the feeling of loneliness to a great extent. If you don’t have anything to do and keep yourself engaged, then it is very easy to get bored here.  If you have something to look forward to and have the openness to accept the new culture, then you would be able to adjust to the USA culture.

See it as loneliness or a key to learning something new? The choice is yours.

 

The good part is here; you will get many platforms to showcase your talent or learn a new skill. The best place to start is the public library. They have many volunteer opportunities. Depending upon your interest, you can start there. If you are a parent, then, schools are a great way to make good use of your time. Some places have support groups started by immigrant ladies. You can become a part of these groups and attend events together.

 

I have experienced it myself. Luckily, I had my hobbies, which helped me during my initial days. I never felt home-sick or depressed. I kept myself occupied with these hobbies and simultaneously joined a few organizations. Started a few online courses. Here, you have to look for such places where you will get to meet new people. One thing that can sail you through during the initial days is your readiness to learn. If you will keep your ‘I am ready to learn’ doors open, then not only you would be able to keep yourself occupied but also you can fight against the feeling of loneliness. If you want to know about my decade journey then do read this – http://mothersgurukul.com/decade-story-10-years-fast-forward-blink-eye/

 

No matters where you are, USA, or anywhere else, loneliness can hit you anytime and anywhere. The only way to cope up with this situation is staying positive, being open to change, and readiness to learn something new from the given options.

Previous post: http://mothersgurukul.com/k-know-already-knew-new-usa-let-tell/

This post is the part of #BlogchatterA2Z. My theme is Dollar Nation- Are you ready to experience the west through my eyes?”