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When I first moved from Italy to Cambridge twelve years ago, I believed I was simply changing countries. What I didn’t realise was that I was stepping into a long, transformative journey—one that would reshape my mindset, my wellbeing, and my understanding of what it truly means to build a life abroad.
Living in the UK for over a decade has taught me far more than any guidebook or travel blog could ever capture. It has been a continuous process of learning, unlearning, adapting, and growing. As 2026 unfolds, I find myself reflecting on the lessons that shaped me, the wellness habits that sustained me, and the mindset shifts that allowed me not only to survive but to thrive far from home.
This is my story—an honest, grounded, and empowering look at expat life through the eyes of an Italian woman who has made Cambridge her new home.
Wellness as a Foundation: Rebuilding Balance Abroad
When you move abroad, wellness becomes something you must actively cultivate. In Italy, wellbeing is woven naturally into daily life—sunlight, social connection, long meals, and a cultural rhythm that encourages presence. In the UK, I had to rebuild that balance from scratch.
Creating a New Sense of Routine
The first few years were a dance between excitement and exhaustion. Everything was new: the language, the weather, the social norms. To stay grounded, I created rituals that supported my physical and mental wellbeing (and unfortunately I did not practice all of these soon - big mistake!):
Morning walks along the River Cam, even in the cold
Weekend visits to local markets for fresh produce
Yoga and stretching sessions at home
Journaling to process emotions and track growth
These small habits became anchors—reminders that wellness is not a luxury but a necessity.
Learning to Thrive in a Different Climate
The British weather is famously unpredictable, and for an Italian used to sunshine, it was a challenge. Over time, I learned to embrace it rather than resist it. Rainy days became opportunities for introspection, creativity, and rest. Sunny days became celebrations.
Wellness abroad is not about replicating your old life; it’s about creating a new one that supports who you are becoming.
Mindset Growth: The Real Transformation of Living Abroad
If wellness kept me grounded, mindset growth pushed me forward. Living abroad forces you to confront parts of yourself you never had to face before. It stretches your comfort zone, challenges your assumptions, and teaches you resilience in ways you cannot anticipate.
Letting Go of Perfectionism
In Italy, I grew up with a culture that values excellence and beauty. In the UK, I learned the power of progress over perfection. Here, people embrace experimentation, mistakes, and learning by doing. This shift changed everything for me—my career, my confidence, and my ability to take risks.
Building Emotional Independence
When you live far from family and lifelong friends, you learn to rely on yourself. You become your own support system, your own motivator, your own guide. This emotional independence is one of the greatest gifts of expat life.
Developing a Growth Mindset
Over the years, I learned to see challenges as opportunities:
A misunderstanding becomes a lesson in communication
A setback becomes a chance to reinvent
A lonely moment becomes an invitation to connect
This mindset has shaped every aspect of my life in Cambridge, from my relationships to my career to my sense of identity.
The Expat Reality: Lessons You Only Learn by Living Abroad
People often imagine expat life as glamorous, but the truth is far more complex—and far more rewarding.
Lesson 1: Home Becomes a Feeling, Not a Place
After twelve years, I no longer feel divided between Italy and the UK. Instead, I carry both within me. Home is now a blend of languages, habits, and memories. It is the place where I feel grounded, connected, and aligned with myself.
Lesson 2: Cultural Adaptation Is a Long-Term Journey
You don’t adapt in a month or even a year. You adapt slowly, through everyday experiences:
Understanding British humour
Navigating social etiquette
Learning to queue with patience
Appreciating the beauty of quiet politeness
These small cultural shifts shape your identity in subtle but powerful ways.
Lesson 3: Community Is Essential
One of the most important lessons I learned is that you must actively build your community abroad. Friendships don’t happen by accident; they grow through intention. Over the years, I connected with locals, other Italians, and expats from all over the world. Each person added something unique to my journey.
Lesson 4: Reinvention Is Not Only Possible—It Is Inevitable
Living abroad gives you permission to reinvent yourself. You are no longer defined by who you were back home. You can explore new interests, new careers, new versions of yourself. This freedom is one of the most empowering aspects of expat life.
Looking Ahead to 2026: A Year of Alignment and Expansion
As I step into 2026, I feel more aligned than ever. Twelve years in Cambridge have taught me that growth is not a destination but a continuous process. Wellness, mindset, and self-awareness are the pillars that support a fulfilling life abroad.
This year, I am focusing on:
Deepening my wellness routines
Strengthening my emotional resilience
Expanding my creative and professional projects
Staying open to new experiences and connections
Living abroad has shaped me into a more grounded, curious, and empowered version of myself. And I know the journey is far from over.
🌟 Final Thoughts: The Beauty of a Life Lived Between Two Worlds
Being an Italian woman in Cambridge for twelve years has been one of the most transformative experiences of my life. It taught me to embrace change, cultivate wellness, and grow with intention. It showed me that identity is fluid, resilience is learned, and home can exist in more than one place.
If you are living abroad—or dreaming of it—remember this: Your journey will challenge you, but it will also expand you in ways you cannot imagine.
Gilda Kiwua Notarbartolo
Visual Storyteller & Certified Journalist sharing mindful habits, self‑love and UK lifestyle inspiration.