The separation-individuation process

This week I got back to Swansea after having an amazing holiday back home in Holland. This also meant that I have just a few weeks left here in Swansea. In a few weeks, I have to say goodbye to the life I’ve build for myself. I will then be moving to London and starting my internship. At times, I lie in my bed and get scared of the thought of leaving small and safe Swansea to move to the massive city of London. While working on my essay about Wuthering Heights, I came across the term ‘’separation-individuation process’’ which occurs between a mother and a child, somewhere in their relationship. I feel like people experience this more often in their lives though, and not just with their mother. When I moved from my hometown Bussum to my own room in Utrecht to study, I experienced it. I separated myself from my hometown and built a life for myself in Utrecht. Then I had to leave Utrecht this September to move to Swansea for 4,5 months. Without knowing anyone in Swansea, I managed to create a life for myself here within a short period of time. The fact that I manage to adapt to a new place every time makes me more confident about moving to London. It will be a completely different experience, but definitely one that is going to be very exciting.

Meanwhile, I still have about 2,5 weeks to prepare myself for this separation from Swansea. I will use these weeks to enjoy the best of Swansea. I hope after that, I’ll be ready to move on, and head to London. I don’t really have a choice anyway.

Of course, this is also my first blog post in 2014, because on Tuesday night, it was time to say goodbye to 2013! This was a year that changed so much. A year ago I didn’t even know I was going to be studying in Swansea yet. And now, a year later it’s already almost over. Hopefully, 2014 will be filled with more great experiences like this. I’m sure my time in London will be one of those. But I also can’t wait to move back to Utrecht in the summer, to live with my partner in crime, Annemiek, again.  So, a lot to look forward to!

Love and happy new year!

Yolanda