Laura,

I read your post and I got the urge to register and reply to tell you that the description of your experiences speak right into my heart and thoughts. I went through the exactly same things and had a very similar life trajectory-the only difference being that when I met the love of my life, at the age of 35, I did not move to sunny Florida- rather dark Sweden. The realization that even meeting the love of my life didnt make me a happier person came with another realization: I moved to a place where its dark and freezing cold for half of the year at least. Terrible combination for someone who comes from very warm climates.
What actually prompt me to write was your statement regarding not feeling like going outside, because you are sensitive and dont like what you see around you- I have been struggling sooo much with this! And it has never happened to me before, so I m quite puzzled. I ve lived in a few countries, quite different to each other and never felt so disappointed by what i see around me. Which doesnt help getting integrated here- even when the weather allows it, which is not so often, going out makes me feel i wish I had stayed in. So this is what I do. Would love to exchange thoughts on that.
Saying that, I really admire the fact that you seem decided to stay and give it a proper try! I hope everything goes well! And remember, at least you are in a sunny place.
I recently found a brilliant pilates center. Its basically the only thing that gets me out of the house these days ( I used to be super active and social) and I find people tend to smile and chat a bit more there. Even if it is only a few days a week, it does make a difference-
Finding an international community-suppose in Floriday there must be a few internationals, will also help. Every time i settled in a new country, this is what kept me going and made me thrive: to have people around who are open minded, have similar experiences and know what you mean when you say what you say.
OK, thats all for now- good luck to all of us who are struggling to find meaning and satisfaction in life- it aint easy,ladies and gents…but it aint impossible either.