Seven years in Morocco: lessons learned

On June 25, 2018, I arrived in Taghazout to write a review of a surf and yoga retreat for The Global Retreat Company.

I went back to the UK only to return to Morocco two weeks later.

It turns out that learning to surf flipped my world upside down, and Morocco was where I landed.

Here’s what I’d like to tell that version of myself. The one who booked a one-way flight back to Morocco in July 2018 and stayed.

She was naive, insecure, and yet so brave.

Your presence is enough

You will learn that your presence, when you fully embody and value it, is enough. The power that comes from within you is immense; own it, nurture it, and cherish it.

Boredom and loneliness have a purpose

You will feel bored, lonely, and very scared at times. Far from family, friends, and everything that was once familiar to you. However, you will learn to trust in your resilience, inner strength, ability to adapt, and intuition.

Boundaries

You will learn that not all people who look good do good. Many people will see you as money. When you learn that lesson, you will learn that your boundaries are there to protect you. Use them.

Trust

You will find a dog, or a dog will find you at the beach, and you will teach other to trust. She will serve as a daily reminder of some of life’s greatest gifts: unconditional love, a feeling of home, playing with friends, and caring for others.

Connection

The ocean brings you to a state of bliss and a connection to everything and everyone else.

Grief and loss

You will experience and overcome devastating loss with compassion and grace. You will learn what it means to be supported by friends, family, and even strangers.

Community

You will learn the true meaning of community, and that we have everything we need within our communities. To be part of a community, unless you’re part of a nomadic one, requires staying put for a while, committing to finding your place within it. Being part of a community brings a sense of belonging, peace, and purpose.

Saying “no”

You will learn to say no (and yes).

Creativity flows

When you make the space and time, and appreciate that it takes commitment, discipline, and effort. It flows even better when you get the ego out of the way, and remember that your craft is a gift from God/ the Universe. Be grateful and work with it.

Embrace differences

You will learn the beauty of imperfection and differences. That us all being different is what makes life interesting. Trying to be the same, or better than others, is boring, divisive, and exhausting. Be authentic to yourself and you will find peace and security from within.

Trust the process

You will learn to trust the process. Not to rush it. And to allow others to do the same.

Your values and beliefs

You will learn to believe in yourself, but first, you will go through a very difficult unravelling process during which you question everything you have ever believed. It will feel very uncomfortable at times, be kind to yourself, and remember, you are growing. You will learn what you truly value, and it will be hugely different from what you think it is right now.

Light and dark

You will learn that even in the darkest moments, there’s always light if you stay open to it. God takes and provides.

Get out of your head

Stop trying to figure everything out. You will learn that feeling your way is a much more authentic way for you to live.

Responsibility

You will learn that you are responsible for your life, your pain, your suffering, your happiness, and your reaction. You have the tools to create your best life. Use them. You know yourself and what you need.

Asking for help

It’s tough for you! But you will learn.

Passion and purpose

When you stop following the crowd, feeling guilty, and living in fear. You will connect with your passions, your gifts, and your purpose. You will be given many opportunities to enjoy and master them. Be grateful.

You are still growing and learning, take it slowly and be kind to yourself and others.

I love you.