{"id":22983,"date":"2019-12-14T09:17:33","date_gmt":"2019-12-14T14:17:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.2026-pfc.reviewyoursite.ca\/blog\/?p=22983"},"modified":"2024-12-19T16:43:28","modified_gmt":"2024-12-19T21:43:28","slug":"mixed-emotions-of-living-in-the-great-white-north","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/2026-pfc.reviewyoursite.ca\/blog\/living\/life-in-canada\/mixed-emotions-of-living-in-the-great-white-north","title":{"rendered":"Mixed emotions of living in the great white North!"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Mixed<\/p>\n

We often discuss many practical and interesting topics about migration, but not about the mixed emotions when living in the great white North! And, those mixed emotions come with migrating to Canada.<\/span><\/p>\n

As we approach another change in season, and with it a lot of mixed emotions, I would like to share my personal experience when I first landed in Canada two Fall\/Winters ago.You\u2019re almost packed with your landing date in sight. And, buried deep with all the stress and excitement of your new life, a job, a home, a car, etc. But, have you thought of how your body and mind will react to the extreme change in climate when you first land in the great white North?!<\/span><\/p>\n

For helpful information about your next steps when you arrive in Canada, join our free webinar:<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

[cjtoolbox name=’Your First Weeks In Canada Webinar CTA’]<\/p>\n

We are into the Fall season and soon heading into the harsh and white winters. Just like everybody else, I too did not give this much thought when I planned my trip in the fall\/winter months. Most pictures I researched online about my destination city had nice warm sunshine, plenty of people walking the streets, shops and activities galore. And, that painted a very beautiful yet deceptive picture in my mind. Not here to demotivate anyone but a series of emotions and feelings that I went through after I first landed in the freezing cold months, aka The Canadian Winters!!<\/span><\/p>\n

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Dealing with Canadian winters<\/h2>\n

Migrating to Canada, I had never before experienced such cold weather for months! Leave alone snow falling from the sky non-stop for 3-4 days on end. I had heard of it, but took it in my stride, like I was going on a holiday and would easily cope with it. Though, the first fall of snow for someone like me was like a blessing from the sky.\u00a0 And, I played in the snow for a good few hours. <\/span><\/p>\n

But, I soon realized it\u2019s not that easy to take it in for days! And mind you, I am not referring to the cold weather here. What I am really getting to is the dark and gloomy skies, poor visibility, and shorter days (less and less sunlight) during the winter months.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

I landed in Vancouver, British Columbia (the mild west). And, the winters are mild compared to some of the other provinces. The rain, and the layers of clothing are no different for someone who had moved from a hot and humid tropical country.\u00a0 But, soon I noticed a sudden change in my behaviour, mood, and thoughts.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

I was new to the city, sans friends or family and had migrated by myself. So, I often found myself lost in a lot of soul searching and sometimes doubtful questions:<\/span><\/p>\n

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  • Have I made the right move?<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
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    • Why did I leave everything behind?<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
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      • I was such an extrovert back home but, why can\u2019t I talk to anyone freely here?<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
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        • Why is everything so expensive here?\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

          Trust me, a few months down the line when you\u2019re settled in and things seem to have moved along well, you will laugh at yourself. And, with the warmer summer months and long days coming about you\u2019ll find life comes full circle as we approach this season again next year. So, I felt it important to discuss this and termed it as mixed emotions. as it\u2019s often mixed with excitement, yet some soul searching.<\/span><\/p>\n

          This is my third fall\/winter in Canada,\u00a0 and I again find myself in that zone I was the first time around. This prompted me to write about it and maybe help those who are about to land, or are on the brink of their first experience with the change of season. Let me tell you, it\u2019s completely natural to feel that way! Don\u2019t add to your stress. <\/span><\/p>\n

          Tips to deal with the mixed emotions of life in the great white North!<\/h2>\n

          We are so used to the sunshine, having loads of people around, and being up and about until the wee hours of the night. So, it’s a very strange situation when suddenly everything looks so glum. This is a cold country! We all know that. So, that\u2019s something none of us can control. But, what we can do is:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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          • Smile.<\/b> Most important! It\u2019s ok to cry out once in a while so that you can smile later <\/span>???? It’s about balance.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
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            • Stay away from people who spread any negative thoughts around you.<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
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              • Exercise 4-5 days a week<\/b> in a gym or an outdoor location (if possible). Trust me. you will meet people there in that similar exercise\/workout environment. And, you might just make a friend or two sharing some valuable health tips. Side benefit, your mind will remain active, healthy, and trigger positive thoughts too.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
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                • Find an<\/strong> <\/span>outdoor winter activity<\/b>; and make snow your friend! Try skiing, snowboarding, snow skating, small and moderate winter hikes or maybe develop an interest in Canada\u2019s very own winter sport, ice hockey. I don\u2019t know if that will really capture your attention upfront but trust me, Canadians love their sports teams. And. watching a game live in a sports arena, sports bar, etc can help build a happy tempo within you too.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
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                  ‘Tis the season. Santa’s elves have been working hard to transform @grousemountain into a Christmas wonderland. . ????: @tovogueorbust, taken last winter at Grouse Mountain. #exploreBC #exploreCanada #VeryVancouver #grousemountain<\/a><\/p>\n

                  A post shared by Destination British Columbia<\/a> (@hellobc) on