Changing Places: Tracy Bakkelokken on Norway

What are you willing to dare?  Are you wiling to risk all for love?

These were some of the big questions I asked myself twelve years ago when I fell in love with a Norwegian man, who also happened to be my friend. Before I knew it he'd asked me to come be with him, be his love, get married, and live in Norway. Much whirlwind and packing up of my worldly goods (mostly books!) followed. I made my way across the Atlantic, far from life in the USA, away from the state of Pennsylvania where I came from. And away from my family and friends there, who were incredulous over my decision!

I was at a big crossroads in my life when I met Terje, my soon-to-be husband. A crossroads personally, spiritually, creatively--every level. I'd never travelled much. And I'd never even been on an airplane! And never before had I dared myself so much for love or life. I took a chance that love would change my life, that love would grace my days and follow me, wherever I went.

Living abroad twelve years now, leaping into the unknown of establishing myself in another country, learning another language, fitting in among a new set of people with cultural mores, and more... I have grown so much by living in Norway. During the years I have found:

* home--wherever I am is home, I'm a citizen of the world
* self-acceptance--I am a work in progress
* perseverance--walking my talk and the honesty in that
* freedom--there is much freedom in taking a big chance, to be brave enough to try something else
* tolerance--of other people and myself
* generosity--much received, as well as much given in return
* mindfulness--practicing mindfulness enriches my journey
* trust--that all will be well
* compassion--for myself and others
* beauty--the beautiful nature of Norway always inspires me
* flexibility--especially the mental kind!
* happiness--it is a choice
* voice--found my creative voice, my visual voice
* cultural experience/knowledge--opportunities to meet people from different nations, religions, etc.
* expanded horizons--inner & outer
* personal power--I can learn another language and have fun learning it!
* gratitude--thankful for all the good that flows through my life here
* technology--grateful that technology makes it possible for me to keep in touch with family & friends far away daily
* growth--dare to let dreams & ideas flourish
* courage--to keep taking risks!
* love--the more love I give & experience, the more I receive

As the years flow, these qualities deepen, and especially as I enter midlife now. The novelty of living abroad has not worn off. It has taught me to see with eyes wide open and to drink from the well of abundance that is life and love. Though I've lived here for some many years, I still feel a sense of wonder and excitement in my life unfolding, and gratitude that I allowed myself to take a leap into the arms of love and a new life.

Tracy lives in the south of Norway, not far from the ancient, rocky beach at Mølen (pictured).  Her lovely online home is at PranaLight.

Changing Places is a guest post series about the power of place to change us.  You’ll find other stories in this series here.  If you’d like to share your own story, please contact  me for submission details.

Comments

[Tracy]

Thank you for the invitation, Helen! It was a pleasure to share my story with you and your readers. :o) Happy Day ((HUGS))

[leslie]

What a lovely story! Thanks for hosting Tracy here at your place, so I have a chance to meet you, as well :)

[sofia]

beautiful story and I conect to it so much, I've been also living abroad just as much as I live in my country; it is a weird feeling of belonging nowhere and everywhere at the same time :) You are great :)

[ed pilolla]

you were rewarded for your risk. your higher self may have been telling you it was going to work out just fine:)

[simone]

So lovely to read this! It makes me realize, that I should appreciate the beauty and love around me more.
Thank you, fot his lovely post.