Daily Affirmations for Moving to Madrid

Now that you’ve gotten off the plane, you’re trying to create some semblance of routine as you settle into your life abroad… on top of finding an apartment, a new time zone, government appointments, government paperwork, exploring, making friends, budgeting, figuring out public transportation, potentially a language barrier, and everything in between. Whew. It’s a lot! 

I've been living here since September and have already learned so much about Madrid, Spanish culture, and myself. Now that I think I’ve been here long enough, and because there are constantly people moving to Madrid to teach as an auxiliar or to study, I thought it could be helpful to share eight daily affirmations that have helped me adjust to living in Spain. I hope that this post leaves you with some nuggets of wisdom and encouragement for this new chapter of your life. With that, ¡empezamos! 

1. Madrileños use Google Maps. 

I get it: having a map up on your phone makes you feel even more like a tourist than someone living abroad. I've tried to angle my phone screen on public transportation so that nobody can see that I'm not from here since I don’t know where I’m going (even though you can take one look at me and guess that I am, in fact, not from Spain). Nobody wants to feel like they don't belong, and relying on a map can accentuate feelings of "otherness."

But just because you're new to a city doesn't mean the people who live here don't go to new places—everyone needs a map. After all, Madrileños go places they've never been and need help getting there, too. There's no reason to feel silly about needing a map. Even after months of living here, I use Google Maps all the time! Never limit your exploration out of embarrassment, there's too much out there that you would otherwise miss. 

2. Don't let the European walking pace dull your sparkle. 

People always say that Americans live too fast, that our pace of life never stops. While there is certainly truth to that, as well as beauty in learning to slow down, I want to affirm that you can enjoy the European pace of life while walking at an "American" pace. 

You know those moving walkways in airports that make your walking speed feel three times faster than it actually is? Sometimes that's how my pace feels compared to everyone else here, (which is saying something because my stride isn’t very long). Some might say, Savannah, you need to slow down to be more Spanish, to which I will politely say, “No.” Why? The art of slowing down isn't necessarily your physical pace, but the act of noticing. 

Though I walk quickly, I’m unplugged, taking in my surroundings, and willing to stop to take a picture or read a plaque. Slowing down is about knowing when to slow down, when to stop. A fast walking pace doesn't have to mean you're missing out on things, just that you're going places with purpose (and perhaps a little more timely compared to our beloved “Spain time”). So strut from monument to museum, power walk from bus to metro line—just don't miss the details in between. 

3. Café con leche brews community. 

To be a true Spaniard, you need to drink café con leche (coffee with milk). They're incredibly cheap and served almost everywhere. Now, you might be thinking: Wait. I’ve been told all my life that I can’t just go buy coffee every day because it will quickly drain all of my money. To that I say: if spending 2-4€ euros on a coffee prevents you from meeting someone for coffee, consider re-evaluating where you’re spending your money. 

I don't want to sound insensitive to your financial situation, so let me put this claim in perspective: three cafés con leche add up to one small Starbucks drink. If you ordered a coffee from Starbucks once a week back in the U.S., you're spending the same amount of money in Spain as if you went out for a café a couple times a week. The difference? It’s better here: 1) you’re in Europe, 2) you’re spending a few euros to spend a few hours with someone else.

Spanish culture truly understands the value of sharing your table with others. There is something intimate and meaningful about inviting others into your mealtime. From coffee to tapas to a long Sunday lunch, every table is an opportunity to foster relationships with others, and a café con leche is one of the cheapest ways to do so. 

4. A water bottle is the best accessory.

During my travels throughout Europe, I've noticed that nobody carries a water bottle with them—Spain is no exception. As I’ve mentioned before, part of moving abroad is understanding how a new culture works and how to fit into it. However, I would caution you against not carrying a water bottle in order to not look like a tourist. 

You’re walking more than you’re used to, the climate is different, the food is different. You need water. This is, perhaps, the most simple yet most important form of self-care that you can implement, especially when moving abroad. Drinking enough water is an investment in your health, both current and long-term. When you’re healthy, you’ll be more able to explore your new home, more energized to try new things, and more charged to meet new people. Don't leave your water bottle at home in the name of fashion or being de modo, put your mental and physical health first by staying hydrated! 

5. “A” is for effort.

While this phrase can be used in many situations, this moving-to-Madrid affirmation applies it to speaking Spanish in your new Spain life. 9 out of 10 people appreciate it when you try to speak Spanish. The odd one out may be having a bad day and, therefore, be a little low on patience. 

I promise! You don't have to be fluent to interact with Spaniards in Spanish, goodness knows I'm not. The simplest and most mispronounced phrases are usually accepted with a smile. It's more than worth your time to learn basic phrases so that you can interact with the barista, the bus drivers, or the cashier at the grocery store in their native language. It shows effort and appreciation for your new language and culture. Even if they respond to you in English—which does happen—you still chose to step out of your comfort zone and first language, an effort that’s typically met with enthusiasm and encouragement. 

Not attempting Spanish at all, even if you only know a few words, can signal a lack of effort to adapt to your new home and may even come across as rude. Unfortunately, English speakers sometimes operate under the assumption of “English is a global language, so everyone probably knows it.” Yes, it's a global language, but it isn't the only one. Thus, speaking Spanish isn't just a sign of respect for your new home, but a way to break down negative stereotypes around English speakers being rude or lazy. You have the power to facilitate positive cultural exchange with each Spanish-speaking interaction you instigate! "A" really is for effort! 

6. Public transportation is a privilege. 

My school is a whopping hour-and-a-half commute from where I live in the city. Can you imagine what it would be like to walk there? (After typing that sentence, I Google Mapped it: it would take me at least 6.5 hours.)

It is honestly incredible how easy it is to access the entire municipality of Madrid. Personally, my hometown has very minimal public transportation, and it's nothing in comparison to the quality and extensiveness of European public transportation. Madrid’s system is especially awesome if you're under 26: you can access commuter trains, metro lines, and buses for just €10 per month! So, I'm consistently amazed by the places I can go using public transportation. Even when it’s running late, I would encourage you to reflect on the access you have to the world as a result of public transportation. 

P.S. If you want to read more about my commuting experience and maybe find inspiration for your own, check out my other blog post: Curate the Perfect Commute. 

7. “Buenas” covers a multitude of sins.

On the topic of speaking Spanish, I want to confess something that I'm still trying to figure out, even though I'm almost four months into living here: I have no idea when buenos días switches to buenas tardes, nor when buenas tardes switches to buenas noches. 

Now, it may feel obvious, right? There's good morning, good afternoon, and goodnight. Right. Except figuring out when each one starts is the problem, especially since I've been told different answers by different people. For example: I would assume that I would use buenas tardes after noon, but my landlord said that “tarde” doesn't start until 4pm… My most authentic sources don’t agree. 

The solution? Greet everyone with “buenas” after noon. Because both phrases begin with this magical little word, “buenas” works for the whole rest of the day once the morning is over. Plus, it's a common shortening of the phrases and an easy hack to navigate cultural greeting norms. Now you’ll sound like a Madrileño!

8. ¡Sí se puede!

Translation: Yes you can! It's a simple affirmation, but perhaps the most important one I can share. There will be days during your time living abroad when you feel silly, defeated, or exhausted. On those days, it’s important to reflect on all the things you’ve already done in your time abroad, recognizing what you’ve accomplished. 

About two weeks into my time in Madrid, there was a day where I felt like I hadn’t accomplished anything because I hadn’t established my routine yet. What had I actually done? Got my transport card, figured out my school route on the commuter train, found an apartment, opened a bank account, completed government appointments, made new friends… you get the picture. It was within that reflection where I found the ¡sí se puede! mindset: I know I can because I already have! 

Ultimately, you've done the hardest part: you got your visa and endured the flight here. Now you get to count each new day as a victory because you're successfully living abroad! ¡Sí se puede!