It’s been a whole year since I stepped on a one-way flight, shipped my belongings and dogs, and moved my life to the UK. Some moments, it feels like I’ve been here a lifetime; other times, it still feels like I’m finding my way. More often than not, I feel really at peace – with our home, our lifestyle, and the direction we’ve taken our lives.

These past few weeks, I’ve been reflecting on where we were just a year ago (thanks, Facebook memories), and it’s been tough to think back on how difficult that was. Martin and I both took a huge leap of faith to come to the UK. We were both terrified, wondering if this was the right decision for the long-term.

And now, a year on, we know for certain this was right for us. We’re both different people than we were a year ago – better people – because of the lessons this experience taught us and the ways it forced us to change.

Here are the seven most powerful lessons living abroad has taught me in a year:

1. It’s okay to make mistakes.

Perfection isn’t real (no matter how hard I may try), and that’s okay. I’ve learned to be alright with asking seemingly dumb questions, stuff that may seem so basic to someone who has lived in the UK for ages, because if I don’t ask, I won’t learn. I routinely will do embarrassing things outside of the cultural norm here and have to simply go with it, making mental note for the next time.

I’m learning that people are forgiving (especially when I’m armed with a foreign accent) and helpful and kind. And generally, they’re willing to laugh it off with me. And that’s something I’m learning to do with myself; it’s important to be kind and forgiving, not just to other people, but also with yourself.

2. I am different (that’s a good thing).

For better or worse, I stick out like a sore thumb the second I open my mouth. It is a huge blessing in networking situations and is the perfect ice breaker. People are curious about where I’m from, why I’m here, what I think of the weather. As an introvert, it has been the best tool to open the door to new people and conversations.

It also leads to conversations about the United States, especially regarding our cultural norms (read: guns) and the current political scene. In some ways, I feel a real responsibility to represent America as a whole because I’m often the only American some people know personally.

That responsibility has its downsides. I hesitate to voice my opinion about a sub-par service experience because of the stereotype that Americans are boisterous or complain too much. I try not to cause any kind of disruption in public, to the point where I don’t necessarily stand up for myself, because I don’t want for people to write off a whole country’s citizens. I still don’t know where that balance is.

More than anything, different is good. I bring something new to the table. I’m memorable (that American woman, remember her?).  And it’s opened so many doors for me. Don’t be afraid to stand out from the crowd.

3. People are the same.

Throughout all of my travels, not just this experience living abroad, I’ve gotten the feeling that humanity is the same. Yes, our cultural norms or religious ideals are different, but all people want to be loved, accepted, and safe. The ways in which people act on these needs are what truly sets us apart.

There is something in every person I’ve met that we can connect through. Whether it’s a person’s travels to New York City or their love for their dogs or their desire to strive for something more in their career, there is always a commonality. Knowing this is what has allowed me to more easily make connections. The best friendships can be forged from one simple conversation or a little bit of empathy.

4. Fear is as powerful as you decide it will be.

This year has definitely taught me to become fearless. That’s not to say I don’t experience fear or anxiety, but only that I do my best to push it aside, knowing it’s not real. When we first arrived, everything was completely new, and the natural reaction was to go into fight or flight mode.

But I had to step outside the comfort zone, tackle new experiences, and eventually learn new norms.

I learned quickly to think on my feet, as every situation was different from “back home.” I learned to be resilient and developed grit. But most of all, I learned fear has no place in my life. In order to grow, we all have the power to push fear aside. No longer can we let fear – of offending people, of being our own champions, of making a mistake – hold us back from greater things.

5. I can’t do it alone.

Finding and building my support system in the UK has been tough but so worth it. Coming to a new country where the only people I truly knew were my husband and his parents, I had to rely entirely on them to help me through before I had a chance to develop new relationships and forge my own way.

I cannot begin to tell you how grateful I am to the people who have helped make England my home. Every small gesture has not gone unnoticed – the kindness of an invite to dinner, the inquiries into how I’ve been settling in, the patience of my million questions as I learn the ropes of a new industry. Personally, I know I would not have made this transition successfully without the thoughtfulness of our family, my work colleagues, CBSO chorus singers, fellow bloggers and Instagrammers, and our friends.

It has been equally as important to have full support from my US-based network. I’ve spent hours on social media and FaceTime reminiscing on shared memories, sharing my new life, listening to funny stories from the states, and even playing board games via video chat. Having that level of normalcy, like we’re just hanging out – only 3000 miles away – has been a godsend. I thank God every day for the full understanding and selfless love of the people who are championing our success, no matter the continent.

6. Negativity has no place in my life.

One year ago, I gave up everything but the most important things to me. I gave up my home, my job, my community – all seemingly vital to a person’s happiness. By losing those things, I recognized what was truly valuable to me – my husband, my dogs, the relationships with my friends and family, and my life experiences.

Suddenly, objects became virtually worthless and I began evaluating what truly made me happy and fulfilled and building my life on those principles. The insight that came from “giving it all up” made me analyze what I had been doing in the states and decide if that was something I wanted to bring into my life in the UK.

The level of gratitude I experience now has increased, I’m less stressed, and I spend my time with intention. I more easily say no to what doesn’t bring me true happiness, which allows me to say yes to the things that will – relationships, music, and personal fulfillment. If it’s not bringing value to my life, it has no place.

7. I am proud of myself (and it’s okay to know that).

After years of coaching hundreds of people to recognize and appreciate their accomplishments and attributes, it’s about time I did that for myself. Society teaches us (women in particular) to hide the recognition of our strengths. Studies have shown that when presenting in front of peers, women downplay their goals, abilities, and drive. Frankly, that’s rubbish (censored for the kids out there).

I think every person should hold a realistic assessment of their strengths (and weaknesses), know where they developed those strengths, and implement a strategy to achieve their set goals.

Looking back on where I was a year ago, the path to create this new life, and the immense challenges I faced, I can hardly believe what I’ve been able to accomplish. It would have been so easy to expect less of myself, or to succumb to negative pressures, or to simply quit. But that’s not who I am.

I’m a doer, an instigator, an overachiever. I rarely settle and always believe in possibility. I wasn’t made for less or to hold myself back (or to let anyone else hold me back, for that matter). I’m determined and I’m stubborn. I’m a leader, passionately leading others and quietly leading myself. I’m ambitious to a fault.

I’m my own worst critic, but I’m also my own biggest cheerleader. A million external compliments or post likes can never make up for being genuinely proud of yourself.

I hope by continuing to share this adventure with you on Holly Tree Cottage that each of you find the courage to make big changes, encourage positivity, and celebrate your own successes.