If you read my life on paper, it was a dream.
Europe, with all its history and charm, was my backyard. But here’s the thing about life – it’s not always what it seems.
On paper, everything was perfect. But in reality? Something was missing.
Just like a picture-perfect postcard with a hidden story, I had to look beyond the surface to understand.
Here’s how I knew it was time to pack up and leave my perfect-on-paper European life behind.
1) The allure of perfection
Perfection is a tricky beast.
On paper, my life in Europe was a flawless masterpiece.
I had a high-paying job, lived in a beautiful apartment in the heart of the city, and enjoyed the luxury of traveling to picturesque destinations on weekends.
But here’s the catch – perfection is often just an illusion.
Living the dream started to feel more like living in a bubble.
It began to dawn on me that beneath the veneer of my picture-perfect European life, there was a void. An emptiness that no amount of success or materialistic gain could fill.
Perfection on paper and reality are two different things.
And my reality was far from perfect – something was missing, and I needed to find out what it was.
2) The wakeup call
It was a sunny afternoon in Paris, seemingly just another day.
I was sitting at a café, sipping on my cappuccino and watching the world go by.
Everything was just as it should be. The Eiffel Tower was standing tall in all its glory, tourists were buzzing around, and the city was alive with its usual charm.
But instead of feeling content and at peace, I felt a wave of restlessness wash over me.
I looked at my reflection in the café window and saw a stranger staring back.
Was this the life I had always dreamt of? Yes. Was I happy? I wasn’t sure anymore.
That moment of introspection, right there in the heart of Paris, was my wakeup call.
It made me realize that my perfect-on-paper life in Europe wasn’t fulfilling me as much as I’d thought it would. It was time to reassess and make a change.
3) The illusion of happiness
Despite living in some of the happiest countries in the world, I wasn’t feeling the joy I thought I would.
Scandinavia, known for topping the global happiness rankings year after year, was a part of my European journey.
The work-life balance, beautiful landscapes, and friendly people – it all seemed like it should be enough.
But happiness is a subjective matter.
What brings joy to one person might not do the same for another.
And while the Scandinavian lifestyle works for many, I realized it wasn’t quite fitting into my puzzle of life.
The promise of happiness, it seemed, was an illusion and I needed to find where my true joy resided.
4) The disconnect from home
There’s no place like home – a phrase we often hear, but seldom truly understand until we’re miles away from it.
Living in Europe, I was surrounded by fascinating cultures, diverse languages, and stunning landscapes.
But amidst these captivating experiences, I started to feel a tug from home.
I missed the familiar sights and sounds, the comfort of my own culture, and the warmth of loved ones.
The distance began to weigh heavy on my heart and it was clear – I was homesick. The glittering life in Europe couldn’t compensate for the deep connection I felt towards my roots.
It was a clear signal that maybe it was time to rethink my European dream.
5) The lack of personal growth
I’ve always believed in the importance of personal growth.
It’s what keeps us moving forward, pushing us to become better versions of ourselves.
In Europe, I was definitely growing professionally. My job was challenging and rewarding, and I was climbing up the corporate ladder.
But when I looked at myself in the mirror, I realized something – I wasn’t growing personally.
I wasn’t learning new things about myself, exploring new interests, or challenging my beliefs. I was stuck in a loop of work, travel, sleep, and repeat.
It was a comfortable routine, but comfort doesn’t always equate to happiness.
I knew then that I needed to make a change. I needed to find a place where I could grow both professionally and personally, a place where I could learn and evolve as an individual.
6) The allure of uncertainty
Uncertainty is often seen as something to be feared.
We’re taught to plan, to have everything mapped out, to stick to the known path. But sometimes, it’s in the unpredictable where we find our true selves.
Living in Europe was predictable. I knew what each day would bring, where I would be in a year’s time, even what I was likely to have for dinner next Tuesday.
And yet, I found myself craving the thrill of uncertainty.
I yearned for the excitement that comes with not knowing what tomorrow holds.
The unpredictability of starting fresh in a new place, the thrill of new experiences, and the challenge of adapting to a different environment.
As strange as it may sound, it was this longing for uncertainty that made me realize it was time for a change – time to shake off the shackles of my perfect-on-paper life and embrace the unknown.
7) The desire for authenticity
In the age of social media, we often curate a life that looks picture-perfect to others.
My life in Europe was no different.
Great job, frequent travels, exotic cuisines – it seemed like I had it all.
But behind the Instagram-worthy pictures and check-ins at fancy places, I was yearning for something more authentic.
I longed for genuine connections, meaningful conversations, and experiences that resonated with my soul.
I craved raw and real moments that couldn’t be captured in a filter-heavy photo.
This yearning for a more authentic life was a clear sign.
It was time to step away from the glossy facade and seek out a life that felt real, raw, and truly mine.
8) The importance of following your gut
At the end of the day, it all comes down to one thing – trusting your instincts.
Despite the seemingly perfect life in Europe, my gut was telling me something was off.
I felt a nagging sense of dissatisfaction, a persistent feeling that I was not where I was meant to be.
And it’s essential to listen to these internal whispers.
They’re often guiding us towards where we need to be, even if it means stepping away from a life that looks perfect on paper.
My instincts were telling me it was time to leave Europe. And in hindsight, listening to that gut feeling was one of the best decisions I ever made.
Embracing the journey
If you’ve read up to this point, I hope you take away one key message: Life is not about having a perfect setup on paper.
It’s about the journey, the experiences, and most importantly, staying true to who you are.
Leaving a seemingly perfect life in Europe was not an easy decision. But it was a necessary one.
It wasn’t about running away from a comfortable life; it was about running towards authenticity, personal growth, and a connection that felt real.
The beauty of life lies in its unpredictability. It’s about embracing change, trusting your instincts, and finding joy in the unexpected.
If you ever find yourself in a life that looks perfect on paper but feels incomplete, remember this: The most important thing is not where you are but how you feel where you are.
Because at the end of the day, it’s your journey, your story. And only you have the power to steer it in the direction that feels right for you.
As John Lennon once said, “Life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans.”
Let’s stop planning for a perfect life and start living a life that feels perfect to us.
