If you ask my ten-year old nephew, I have a British accent.
If you ask Ian, I very much still have an American accent.
September marked five years of living in Scotland. What started as an ‘educated adult gap year’ (that was genuinely supposed to last for a year) has turned into the true next book of my life.
I have so many things to say, and yet. I feel like anything I do say won’t be enough to describe what this beautiful country means to me.
Scotland has brought me Ian and Finn. One a human and one a dog I am immensely grateful to have. It’s brought (or I guess it’s in the process of bringing) me a personal dream of becoming a dual citizen.
But, it’s given me much more than I could realise.
It’s given me a greater understanding and respect for a true work / life balance. It’s shown me the importance of a holiday, not just to gallivant in new places, but the need to truly rest. Something that I think is lost on American culture.
It’s given me an appreciation for governments and social programs that not only actually support people, but give them the type of support a resident can actually see.
It’s shown me how important being outside, putting your hands in the damp Earth can be for your soul. I find myself outside more in this type of climate than I did in the US, shuffling from car to apartment to office to hide from the humid heat or numbing cold. The abundance of flowers and greenery, and the length of spring and fall still surprises me.
It’s given me a safe space to call home on my terms. A home that is also so much fun to show off to friends and family who come to visit.
It’s given me North Sea swims and castles. History and whisky. Characterful houses with drafts and no right angles. Thick sweaters, fires, hot water bottles and bags of tea for warmth. Chippy suppers and fresher food. Seeing mental health as holistic health. Regional dialects and understanding another language. Dramatic weather that can keep you on your toes, but more often than not, lets the sun and many double rainbows shine.
Many words typed and it’s still not enough. It’s a dream that I’m lucky enough to call a reality.
Cheers to many more years!