Your Saint Is In Another Country

Okay, let's talk about something super relatable. Ever felt like you just don't quite fit in where you are? Like, maybe you're a pineapple pizza enthusiast surrounded by staunch pepperoni purists? Or perhaps you’re a bookworm stuck in a reality TV show marathon? Well, sometimes that feeling extends beyond pizza toppings and questionable entertainment choices. Sometimes, it feels like your whole vibe, your entire essence, is just...somewhere else. That, my friends, is what I like to call having your "Saint" in another country.

What do I mean by "Saint"? Well, think of it as the patron spirit of your soul, your ideal environment, the place where you can finally, truly, be yourself. And that place, shockingly, might not be where you currently reside.

The "Wrong Planet" Syndrome

We've all been there, right? That nagging feeling that you’re living on the wrong planet. It's that moment when you're listening to the local radio station and all the music makes you want to claw your own ears off. Or when you're at a party, surrounded by people who seem to speak a different language – a language of small talk about sports scores and the latest reality TV scandal (seriously, are we back to that again?). You try to engage, you really do. You even attempt a witty comment about the geopolitical implications of the Premier League (because, let's face it, that's way more interesting than who scored the winning goal), and you’re met with blank stares. Suddenly, you realize that the only thing you have in common with these people is the shared air conditioning.

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That's the moment your "Saint" starts whispering to you from afar, beckoning you towards a land where witty geopolitical commentary is not only appreciated, but actively encouraged. A land where people understand your obscure references to 80s synth-pop bands and your passion for collecting vintage teacups shaped like cats. Okay, maybe not the cat teacups, but you get the idea.

The Symptoms

How do you know if you're afflicted with this "Saint in Another Country" syndrome? Well, here are a few telltale signs:

Your Saint Is In Another Country -One State's Loss Is Another State's

Your Google Search History is Terrifying: It's a mix of "cost of living in [insert dream country]", "how to get a visa for [insert dream country]", and "best bookstores in [insert dream city]". Your search history is basically a travel agency's worst nightmare – a bunch of research with no actual booking.
You Develop a Strange Accent When Talking About [Insert Dream Country]: You start peppering your sentences with foreign words and phrases, even if you only know, like, three. Suddenly, you're ordering your coffee with a dramatic "Bonjour!" and complaining about the traffic with a theatrical "Mamma Mia!". Your friends are either impressed or deeply concerned. There's no in-between.
Your Wardrobe Suddenly Undergoes a Dramatic Transformation: You start dressing like you already live in your dream country. If your Saint is in Paris, you're rocking berets and striped shirts like you were born in the Marais. If it's in Tokyo, you're suddenly sporting Harajuku-inspired outfits that would make Lady Gaga proud. Your current location might be suburban Ohio, but in your heart, you're already strolling down the Champs-Élysées or navigating the neon-lit streets of Shibuya.
You Experience Intense Wanderlust… All the Time: You're constantly scrolling through travel blogs, watching documentaries about faraway lands, and mentally planning your escape. You know the exchange rate of the local currency by heart, and you can recite the entire history of the country, starting from the Bronze Age. You're basically a walking, talking travel encyclopedia, just waiting for the opportunity to unleash your knowledge on unsuspecting strangers.
Your Emotional Support Animal is a Phrasebook: Instead of a fluffy cat or a loyal dog, your constant companion is a well-worn phrasebook for your dream country. You carry it everywhere, memorizing useful phrases like "Where is the nearest bakery?" and "Help, I've lost my passport!". You even start talking to the phrasebook, confiding in it your hopes and dreams of a better life in a faraway land. Don't worry, we won't judge.

Why Does This Happen?

So, why do some of us feel this magnetic pull towards a specific country or culture? There are a few possible explanations:

Cultural Affinity: Maybe you just naturally resonate with the values, traditions, and artistic expressions of a particular culture. Perhaps you’re drawn to the laid-back lifestyle of the Mediterranean, the artistic flair of Italy, or the quirky eccentricity of Japan. It’s like finding your tribe, even if your tribe is thousands of miles away.
Personal History: Maybe you have ancestral ties to a particular country, or perhaps you had a formative experience there that left a lasting impression. Maybe your grandmother was from Ireland, and you've always felt a connection to the Emerald Isle. Or perhaps you spent a summer backpacking through Southeast Asia and fell in love with the vibrant culture and friendly people.
Reaction to Current Environment: Sometimes, it’s simply a reaction to your current environment. If you're living in a fast-paced, hyper-competitive city, you might be drawn to a more relaxed, community-oriented lifestyle. If you're surrounded by political discord and social unrest, you might crave a place where people are more tolerant and open-minded. It’s like seeking refuge from the storm in a safe and welcoming harbor.
The Power of Imagination: Let's be honest, sometimes it's just the romantic allure of the unknown. We create idealized versions of these places in our minds, fueled by travel brochures, movies, and Instagram feeds. We imagine ourselves strolling through cobblestone streets, sipping espresso in charming cafes, and falling in love with a mysterious stranger who speaks a language we don't understand. It's a beautiful fantasy, even if it's not entirely based on reality.

What To Do About It?

Okay, so you've diagnosed yourself with "Saint in Another Country" syndrome. Now what? Well, here are a few options:

EVERYBODY WANTS TO RULE THE WORLD 💫 [22] @Saturn_is_in_another_world

Embrace It: Don't fight the feeling! Indulge your passion for your dream country. Learn the language, cook the food, read the literature, and immerse yourself in the culture as much as possible, even if you're still stuck in your hometown. Turn your living room into a Parisian salon, your kitchen into a Tuscan trattoria, or your backyard into a Zen garden. The world is your oyster, even if you can't afford a plane ticket.
Plan a Visit: Obviously, the best way to confirm your suspicions is to actually visit your dream country. Save up your money, book a flight, and pack your bags! Spend some time exploring the cities and countryside, meeting the locals, and soaking up the atmosphere. You might discover that your idealized vision is actually pretty accurate, or you might realize that your Saint is actually in a different country altogether. Either way, it's a valuable learning experience.
Consider a More Permanent Move: If you're really serious about finding your Saint, you might consider making a more permanent move. Research the visa requirements, job opportunities, and cost of living in your dream country. Talk to expats who have already made the move and get their advice. It's a big decision, but it could be the best thing you ever do.
Find Your "Saint" Within: Sometimes, the problem isn't the location, but our perception of it. Is it possible to find those same qualities that you are looking for in another country in your own city or even within yourself? Perhaps it is about creating a community and finding like-minded individuals in your current town or city.

Ultimately, the decision of what to do with your "Saint in Another Country" syndrome is entirely up to you. But whatever you choose, remember to embrace your passions, follow your dreams, and never stop exploring the world, both inside and out.

The Takeaway

So, the next time you find yourself daydreaming about strolling through the canals of Venice or sipping tea in a Kyoto garden, don't feel guilty. Embrace your "Saint in Another Country" syndrome. It's a sign that you have a rich imagination, a curious spirit, and a deep appreciation for the beauty and diversity of the world. And who knows, maybe one day you'll actually get to meet your Saint in person. Until then, keep dreaming, keep exploring, and keep believing that somewhere out there, there's a place where you truly belong.