Building the tension

Stress can appear in many ways and for many different reasons. For me stress appears as anger and sadness. I get frustrated more than usual but I also cry more often. Before Christmas I had quite a few crying sessions regarding the upcoming student exchange. In this following text I will go through the sources of my stress. Keep in mind - I haven't got everything figured out yet! I'm still working on my stress levels 😂

1. Stress of packing 

What? Only one suitcase per person? Oh my, is that even possible? How am I able to fit four months in one suitcase?

This is a sport that I am familiar with but not on this level. To master this I need a good packing plan. For example, an addition to my shopping cart is vacuum packaging bag.

Fortunately, I am from Finland where the climate is pretty much the same as in Canada. To know WHAT to pack for the winter weather is not a problem. The problem is to know HOW MUCH spring clothes I should bring. Is the spring the same as in Finland? (Demonstrated in the following fragment.) 

Spring: Eh, I don't know if you want me to come or not? Like do you even care?

Us, Finnish people: Yes, we care! Please, come in peace!

Spring: I cannot hear you... I will come but as wind and rain! Ha ha ha!

Us, Finnish people: *irritated and painful murmuring*

2. Financial stress

Obviously one of the most stressing parts of the exchange is the question of money. The main questions being: Can I afford this? And how can I keep track of what I have?

Helping to guide me on my journey is a financial plan. I created an Excel form for my financial affairs so I can monitor my financial situation during my stay in Canada. In the form I have listed every possible income and expense I have during the stay. The extraction of income and expense shows how much money I still have left. 

At this point of my journey, when I am still in Finland, I can only hope that everything goes as planned. I myself have the most important part to stick with the original financial plan. But I have to keep in mind that anything can happen and in those moments, I need to be flexible. 

3. General fear

Traveling to a far away country for the first time can be scary. And to stay there for four months is another task. Fortunately, I have a friend traveling with me so I don't have to face the adventure alone. But still, my mind will be troubled with this for a while now. 

To reduce my fear I have tried to think about the possibilities and practicalities of the exchange. I've tried to imagine all of those dreams I can finally fulfill when I am in Canada. And I'd say it has helped me to reduce stress and fear regarding the whole thing. 

Let's accept all these fears and face this journey with an open and positive mind! 😍

Thank you for coming along for the ride! 

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