Culture Shock Phase 3: Recovery

“Will I ever feel like myself again?”

re·cov·ery

noun \ri-ˈkə-və-rē, -ˈkəv-rē\

: the act or process of becoming healthy after an illness or injury : the act or process of recovering

: the act or process of returning to a normal state after a period of difficulty

: the return of something that has been lost, stolen, etc.

Source: Merriam Webster

It is interesting to me that one of the definitions for RECOVERY is “the return of something that has been lost.” While in the 2nd Phase of Culture Shock we are the ones who are LOST, in this 3rd Phase we are ones who are RECOVERED. We literally RECOVER ourselves.

In Culture Shock Phase 3: RECOVERY, we begin to remember who we are. We are drawn back to our own likes and dislikes. Our personality is brought to the forefront of our own conscientiousness and we find ourselves once again.

There is an amazing sense of confidence when we are sure of who we are. Knowing ourselves well allows us to explore new places with a sense of certainty. We are able to proceed into uncharted territory with boldness because we are certain of at least one thing: our own identity.

The same is true when processing through Culture Shock. Being sure of your own identity allows you to explore new places, even if those new places are within your own heart. And certainly when those places are new geographies around the world. New cultures, different customs, even strange foods seem less daunting when you are certain and sure of yourself.

The cautionary side of this phase is to avoid becoming so focused on your own RECOVERY that you become self absorbed. There is the very real potential of not only RECOVERING yourself but of becoming LOST again, this time in your own “little” world.

Here’s a few tips:

1. RECOVER. Take the time to become healthy again. Enjoy learning about yourself, again. You may rediscover things about yourself you already knew. You may learn some new things about yourself. Either way, go through the process.
2. Keep your eyes open to the new and wonderful world around you. Don’t loose sight of the amazing things in this new culture that you can discover.
3. Talk it out. Share with your teammates. Write it all down in your journal. Blog. Whatever you do to get words out, do it.

Remember: You Are kind Of A Big Deal!

It’s great and healthy to rediscover this truth through your own RECOVERY.