Technically I was supposed to fly out of here the day before yesterday. To go to Seattle and await a move to Italy in late September.
Instead, I’m still here in Buenos Aires.
The thing is, I just wasn’t ready yet. I’ve settled in here and I like my life. And I now realize I wasn’t doing a thing to prepare for Italy - apart from reading my favorite Italy blogs and monitoring the expatsinitaly forum. I realize that inside I was resisting the thought of ending this part of my life story.
So I’m staying.
I couldn’t write about it right away because I needed to speak with a couple of people that should hear it from me and not the internet…and also because I had startled myself with this decision and was looking around myself thinking, “What have I done?!” in between gleeful giggles. I needed to take it in myself. I think I already knew that I was staying, but to make it a real, concrete decision - well, it was pretty last minute so I needed to just take a day or two to absorb it.
I had asked myself the question, “If not now, when?”
If I don’t stay here now and continue this life, continue to learn, settle into la vida porteña, when will I? Probably never. Is that alright with me? No. If I have to leave this city too soon I will feel empty and strange inside. I can’t leave just yet.
So I’m here. Most decisions are reversible so I am not afraid or worried about this being “right” or “wrong”. It just is what it is.
Italy is still there. I just have to do this right now. Italy will wait for me.
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15 users responded in this post
Awwww, Congratulations on following your heart. Many more joys to you!
Yay for Tina! I’m not surprised at all, I had a feeling you would stay a while. You will know when the time is right to leave, there is no rush. If that day comes at all.
Congratulations on making that decision Tina!! And you’re right, Italy will always be there when you’re ready.
Wohoo! Felicidades. Yes, like Annika, I also felt you’d stay in Argentina a bit longer. It seemed… you!
I’ve heard a couple people, during big decisions, ask themselves, “If not now, then when?” and “is that alright with me?” which is a smart way to get the big picture and put things into perspective. Brava!
GOOD FOR YOU! What else can we say? It’s good to look at things and wonder, if not now, than when?
I’m glad you’re happy and making choices from your heart!
well Tina, this is HUGE! There must be a man involved!
I for one would never choose Argentina over Italy, if only for the food!! But of course, I would never leave my dear Ruben.
So…what’s the rest of the story?
Good for you, Tina. I’ve been following my heart (even if it’s “last minute”) for a long time, and it’s never steered me wrong. You’re post gave me goosebumps; I know you’re on the right path!
I like the reminder that most decisions are reversible…so true. What a big thing though- it’s great you’re standing by your heart.
No surprise to me chica linda, having seen you in action in your present.
It is so great that you follow your heart and do what feels good for you in this moment. You are being true to yourself eh? What could be better?
Hugs, SC
Hey Tina–glad you decided to stick around a little bit longer. This place does get under your skin, doesn’t it? I will be sad to leave.
I love how ’staying put’ is turning out to be a big move
Tina, follow your heart is always the best decision, I believe.
I am doing the same…whatever will be, will be! 
Thanks for stopping by my post at Bleeding Espresso. As for you - yes, Italy will wait. Stay and LIVE!
In your most recent posts it sounded like you were having too much fun to leave. Italy will always be there and maybe the economy will be better there when and if you go. Good luck in BA!
It’s hard to leave this place. I may have to soon but it won’t be easy!
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