The Call to Reconnect : 9 Eye-Opening Reasons I Left My Lavish American Life for Nigeria

Introduction:

Growing up in America, I was surrounded by the luxuries and conveniences of modern life. But as I grew older, I began to feel a sense of disconnection from my cultural roots. Despite my success in the United States, I felt a deep longing to reconnect with my Nigerian heritage. In this article, I will share the 10 reasons why I gave up my lavish American life to reconnect with my Nigerian heritage.

1. Sense of Belonging

One of the main reasons why I decided to reconnect with my Nigerian heritage was because I wanted to feel a sense of belonging. Despite being born and raised in the United States, I always felt like I didn’t quite fit in. By exploring my Nigerian heritage, I was able to connect with a community of people who shared similar values and experiences.

2. Cultural Pride

As I learned more about Nigerian culture, I began to feel a sense of pride in my heritage. I realized that Nigeria has a rich history and a vibrant cultural identity that is often overlooked in mainstream media. By embracing my Nigerian heritage, I was able to celebrate the beauty and diversity of my culture.

3. Family Ties

Another reason why I decided to reconnect with my Nigerian heritage was because of my family ties. My parents immigrated to the United States from Nigeria, and I have always felt a strong connection to my Nigerian relatives. By exploring my Nigerian heritage, I was able to deepen my relationships with my family members and learn more about my family history. In all honesty, traveling back to Nigeria was satisfying.

4. Professional Growth

As someone who works in a global industry, I realized that my Nigerian heritage could be an asset in my professional life. By understanding Nigerian culture and language, I was able to connect with clients and colleagues from Nigeria and other African countries. This has helped me to expand my business and build stronger relationships with my international partners.

5. Personal Growth

Reconnecting with my Nigerian heritage has also helped me to grow as a person. By learning more about Nigerian history and traditions, I have gained a deeper appreciation for the world around me. I have also learned to be more patient, empathetic, and compassionate towards others.

6. Spiritual Connection

Nigerian culture is deeply rooted in spirituality, and reconnecting with my heritage has helped me to develop a stronger sense of spirituality. I have explored traditional Nigerian religions and rituals and have found a sense of peace and connection that I had never experienced before.

7. Food and Cuisine

Nigerian cuisine is rich and diverse, and exploring the food of my heritage has been a delicious and fulfilling experience. From jollof rice to suya, I have discovered a world of flavors and ingredients that I never knew existed. By cooking Nigerian food, I am able to connect with my cultural identity and share my heritage with others.

8. Language and Communication

Language is an important part of any culture, and learning the Nigerian language has been a rewarding experience. By speaking the language of my heritage, I am able to connect with Nigerian people on a deeper level and gain a better understanding of their culture and traditions.

9. To find Peace and Happiness

At the end of the day, the most important thing for me was finding peace and happiness. And for me, that meant reconnecting with my Nigerian heritage. Living in America, I always felt like something was missing. But in Nigeria, I felt a sense of belonging and connection that I had never experienced before. The journey may have had its challenges, but the outcome was ultimately rewarding.

Conclusion

Giving up my lavish American life to reconnect with my Nigerian heritage was one of the best decisions I ever made. It allowed me to escape the rat race, learn more about my family history, embrace a more sustainable way of life, challenge my assumptions, and find peace and happiness. If you’re considering a similar journey, I encourage you to take the leap. It may be scary, but it’s worth it.

FAQ

Was it difficult to adjust to life in Nigeria?
Yes, it was definitely a challenge to adjust to a new culture and way of life. But it was also incredibly rewarding.

Did you experience any culture shock?
Yes, there were definitely some cultural differences that took some getting used to. But overall, I found the Nigerian people to be warm and welcoming.

How did your family react to your decision to move to Nigeria?
At first, they were a bit sceptical. But once they saw how happy I was, they were supportive.

Do you miss anything about your old life in America?
Of course, there are things I miss about America. But overall, I’m much happier living in Nigeria.

Would you recommend others to make a similar move?
It depends on the individual. But if you’re feeling a pull to reconnect with your heritage, I would definitely encourage you to explore that. It can be an incredibly rewarding experience.