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🇨🇦 The Call to Canada
Leaving France wasn’t just a decision, it was a series of small moments that built up over time. I felt it to my core: Moving to a new city alone in your 20s was something I had to do. Leaving my comfort zone was scary by necessary. The first time I came to Canada was during my education, as part of an internship program. I was young and just starting out, but those few weeks changed me. Coming from a small town of barely 5,000 people to a big city like Toronto felt like stepping into a world of infinite possibilities and new experiences.
When I returned home, I couldn’t stop talking about Canada. I became obsessed with the idea of going back, so I worked hard for a year, saving every penny to make my dream a reality. It wasn’t just about career opportunities—it was about having the right mindset to embrace a fresh start in a new place. But no one really took me seriously. Friends and family nodded, entertained my excitement, but it wasn’t until I announced, “I have my visa. Let’s gather for a goodbye meal.” that it hit them—and me—that this was real. I was on my way to discover and experience new things for one year.
🎤 Have you ever felt a pull toward something bigger, but no one else believed it was possible?
✈️ Facing the Fear
Excitement aside, fear crept in. Was I making the wrong decision? Was I just running away?
The biggest weight on me was leaving my family behind. At first, it was only supposed to be a year. But my brothers were young, and I carried a huge guilt about missing out on their childhood, our relationship, and all the milestones I wouldn’t be there for.
Then there was the fear of failure. What if I didn’t find my place in this new environment? What if I came back home, defeated, with nothing to show for it? That fear of returning empty-handed, of having to admit that I’d made a mistake, was suffocating. Even something as small as navigating public transportation, handling automatic telephone services, or understanding customer service calls felt like a daunting task.
Although I questioned that long distance move, something was bigger than the fear. I followed my guts and boarded that plane.
🎤 Have you ever held yourself back from a big change because of fear? What’s the worst that could happen—and what if the best happened instead?
💪🏻 The Courage to Keep Going
Looking back, I don’t give myself enough credit. I was brave. I figured everything out in a foreign language. Sure, I spoke English, but living in it every day? That was a whole other challenge.
But I was determined. I watched shows in English with subtitles, studied every receipt of cellular phone calls, and learned how to navigate life in my second language with a positive mindset. I even avoided hanging out with other French speakers at first so I could push myself further. I wanted to build meaningful connections and new friendships with like-minded individuals.
I explored my new neighbourhood, found the best coffee shops, and took road trips to different places. I embraced some social activities and every new experience this phase of life had to offer. A long-distance move wasn’t easy, but it was the best decision I could have made for personal growth in my early 20s.
I am proud to look back at younger Mélanie, she wanted to live that Canadian dream and she followed her guts and took that one-year solo trip!
Settling into My New Home
Renting an apartment from France without visiting it first was a huge leap of faith. Luckily, I found a great place and met kind people along the way, even buying furniture from a French couple that was going back to France. Adjusting to a new home in a different country was both exciting and nerve-wracking. I had never lived alone, nothing about this new life felt familiar.
I had saved money for a year before moving, but I didn’t deeply research the cost of living and did any careful planning. I arrived in mid-June, gave myself until the end of the month to relax and get familiar with my new surroundings, and then started job hunting in July. Within weeks, I had two job interviews and one offer—my first new job in Canada! My career path and the new skills I developed is a whole other chat we can have.
My first grocery store trip was an adventure in itself. I didn’t buy much since everything felt unfamiliar, but that’s a story for another time.
This is Just the Beginning
This isn’t just my story—it’s about anyone who has ever felt the need to chase something bigger, despite the fear. If you’ve ever considered moving abroad, starting over in a new city, or taking a leap, know this: The fear is real, but so is your ability to adapt, thrive, and create a life beyond what you imagined. One of the best things you can do for yourself.
I love this quote that says: If you want something you never had, you must be willing to do something you have never done.
Stay Tuned
This is part of a larger series where I share the emotional and mental shifts that come with leaving everything behind. Next, we’ll dive into the duality of building a life away from family—the joy of independence mixed with the ache of distance. You can get to know me by visiting my about page.
If you’ve ever moved away or made a big life change, what was your biggest fear? Let’s talk in the comments!
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