Jim Estill’s Post

The jet lag is fading, but a different kind of ache lingers. ✈️ Back from a trip to my home country, the joy of reuniting with family and friends is tinged with a familiar pang – the reality of distance settling in like a heavy fog. Anyone else, fellow immigrants, feel this post-vacation heartbreak? The airport goodbyes, the promises to "see you soon" knowing "soon" might be a year away. It's a bittersweet homecoming, the warmth of familiar faces replaced by the weight of miles and missed moments. ✨But here's the truth: We carry our families with us, not just in photos and souvenirs, but in the way we navigate this new world. Canada 🇨🇦 has become my home, filled with opportunities and dreams realized. But there's a space here, a space for the everyday moments, the quick phone calls with my mom, the video calls with my siblings while doing house chores. I've built a wonderful life here, with amazing colleagues who celebrate my wins and supportive neighbours who lend a hand. Yet, there's this undeniable ache for the familiar, the comfort of being close to my loved ones. The distance is tough, but it's also fostered a resilience I never knew I had. Navigating a new world, building a new support system, it's all part of the immigrant experience. And in this journey, we discover a strength we didn't know we possessed. Maybe you can relate. Share your story in the comments! 👉How have you built a new support system in Canada? 👉What creative ways do you stay connected with loved ones back home? 👉What advice would you give to someone facing a similar situation? We're all in this together. Here's to the strength, the resilience, and the unwavering love that binds us, no matter the distance. ❤️ #ImmigrantLife #HomeAwayFromHome #FamilyAcrossBorders #DistanceAndLove #ImmigrantExperience #BuildingCommunity #GlobalVillage #ResilienceJourney #StayConnected #SupportSystem

Moving to a new country is an exciting adventure, but it can also come with its challenges. Understanding the stages of culture shock can help you adjust and thrive in your new home! Here’s what to expect: 1️⃣ Honeymoon Stage: Everything feels new and exciting! You’re in awe of the beautiful landscapes, friendly people, and delicious food. Embrace this joy and take in all the wonders Canada has to offer! 2️⃣ Frustration Stage: As the novelty wears off, you may start to feel overwhelmed. Language barriers, cultural differences, and homesickness can set in. Remember, it’s okay to feel this way! Reach out for support and connect with others who understand. 3️⃣ Adjustment Stage: Gradually, you’ll start to adapt. You’ll learn the local customs, make new friends, and find your favorite spots. Celebrate your progress and embrace the journey of becoming part of the community! 4️⃣ Acceptance Stage: You’ve found your groove! You feel at home in Canada, appreciating both the similarities and differences. This is where you truly thrive and contribute to your new community. Welcome to your new life! Remember, culture shock is a normal part of the immigration journey. If you need guidance or support, we’re here to help you every step of the way! #CultureShock #ImmigrationJourney #ResettleInCanada #NewBeginnings #SupportSystem #CanadaLife #CulturalAdjustment

I want to wish everyone a HAPPY CANADA DAY, but over the years, it's become increasingly difficult to say it and truly mean it. For me, it all comes down to one thing: TRUST. Trust is invaluable, yet it feels harder than ever to come by these days. This simple yet powerful five-letter word seems to have become a forgotten part of our daily lives. The absence of trust puts everyone on edge, creating a ripple effect across our country. When we lose trust in the government and absorb each other's negative thoughts and feelings, it creates division—even in the simplest aspects of life, like our everyday interactions. Without trust, there's no peace, and history teaches us that a lack of peace breeds conflict. With Canada Day around the corner, let’s push for change from the top and advocate for a new beginning. Our country and the world have grown exponentially, and the diversity and energy around us are intense. I long to feel proud of being Canadian again, but until meaningful change occurs, I struggle to feel at home in my own country. I keep asking myself, "When and how did this happen, and can it ever be fixed?" I’m not sure if I’ll live to see the calm after this storm, but I hope my children and grandchildren will experience the peace we once had. This is why the older generation reflects on the past—we remember how it used to be, and we want it back! This Canada Day let’s not only celebrate but also advocate for change. For peace to happen, something's gotta give. It's time to make the changes needed to rebuild trust from the top down and create a future we can all be proud of. If we don't act now, we risk losing the very foundation of our country – TRUST! #TrustMatters #CanadaDay #AdvocateForChange #NewBeginning #HopeForPeace #BuildingTrust #FutureGenerations #HopeForFuture #CelebrateChange #RebuildCanada #PeaceAndProgress #FutureOfCanada #ChangeForBetter #HopeForGenerations

Our numbers, new comers from Turkey to Toronto, have quadrupled in the last 3 years. Whether newcomers or long-time immigrants, everyone is grappling with the high cost of living. Having lived in Toronto for 33 years, I have helped people during their most difficult times, such as when a family member passes away in Toronto, sometimes when they have no one else in Canada. Over the past 33 years, I have assisted thousands of people in these situations, as well as with employment, immigration, and pensions. Please clarify your wishes regarding burial here in Canada or sending remains to Turkey. It's important to prepare for death and then set it aside; I am here to support as much as possible. Every LIFE holds SIGNIFICANCE and IMPORTANCE, REGARDLESS of whether it appears SPECTACULAR or not. Each person's EXPERIENCES, CONTRIBUTIONS, and RELATIONSHIPS contribute to the RICHNESS and DIVERSITY of HUMAN EXISTENCE. #LifeMatters #HumanExperience #PersonalGrowth #CommunityImpact #DiversityandInclusion #EmbraceDifferences #ShareYourStory #SupportEachOther #LifeJourney #MakeADifference #ImpactfulLiving #CelebrateLife #ValueEveryMoment #EmbraceYourJourney #EverydayHeroes #InspireOthers Every life is significant to us and holds great value. Seyfi Tomar #TorontoCommunity #ImmigrationSupport #CostOfLiving #TorontoLife #CommunitySupport #CulturalDiversity #FuneralAssistance #SocialSupport #Canadian #SupportNetwork #TorontoImmigrants #Empowerment #LifeInToronto #HelpingHands

It was the first Holi after immigrating to #Canada. Sitting by myself in the empty home, I was swamped by memories of fun and colours from the past. Somehow, I gathered myself and wore the white attire (the same as you see in the picture) and smeared some turmeric on my forehead (the only colour available) to mark the #celebration. Then cried my heart out. This picture from this year’s Holi celebration with friends reminds me that the #loneliness that seems never-ending does end one day. All the new #immigrants out there, I share this for you to know that this too shall pass. My two cents from this less-than-five-year journey in Canada- ·        Reach Out - While browsing Facebook, I came across pictures of a girl standing in the snow. A common friend had commented. I promptly asked her to #introduce us. That is how I met my best friend in Canada. ·        Step Out- It was at poetry events I found my tribe and it would be fair to say my hidden talent too. Book readings, art exhibitions, paint nights…what kind of #events would you like to attend? ·        Stay Open- Don’t #pick and #choose. Eventually, you need only a handful of people to connect with. But to begin with, you may need to meet many before you choose your handful. ·        Accept and Express: Do not close your eyes or brush away the feelings of loneliness and homesickness. Immigration is hard and takes time to adjust. Hold on to old #friends and #family back home. I filled #journals and wrote numerous poems to let it all out. ·        Beyond Networking: Do not meet people only if they can get you work. Meet them for the joy of knowing new people. Interestingly, many career options came out through some of the #connections I built purely for joy. ·        It is not a waste of time: Human beings are wired for connection. Yes, getting that job and retaining it is important, but you need to take care of #emotional needs. Yes, buying that house is crucial but one feels at #home in a place only when you find your people. #immigration #immigrants #canada #change #adapt #adjust #emotions #festivals #roots #connection #communication

 Are you thinking of moving to Canada?  Let's clear up some common myths! Here’s what’s true and what’s not about the White North! #CanadaLife #ImmigrationJourney #LifeInCanada #MovingToCanada #CanadaFacts

🚀 From Excitement to Anxiety: Navigating the Emotional Rollercoaster of Relocation 🚀 Today is a significant day as one of my closest friends is embarking on a journey to Canada, bidding farewell to the country where he has invested years of hard work and dedication to obtain his visa. While this should be a time for celebration, I've noticed that his excitement has been overshadowed by a mix of fear, anxiety, and uncertainty about whether he made the right choice. 😔🎒 He’s not alone. Many immigrants I’ve spoken with—regardless of their background—share these feelings. Leaving behind family, friends, work, and cherished memories is a profound challenge. But there’s hope and support available! Organizations like the Immigrant Centre, Manitoba Start, Family Dynamics, Elmwood Community Resource Centre, Aurora Family Therapy Centre, and Progressive Intercultural Community Services (PICS) Society offer invaluable resources and a sense of belonging that can make all the difference. So, how do we navigate this emotional storm and avoid regrets? Here are some strategies to help turn anxiety into empowerment and make your relocation a positive experience:😊🌪️💪✨" 💬 Acknowledge the Emotions: It’s normal to feel anxious. Recognizing these feelings helps you manage them more effectively. 🎯 Set Small Goals: Break down your transition into manageable steps and celebrate each achievement. 🌐 Stay Connected: Keep in touch with loved ones back home. Their support can provide comfort and encouragement. 🔍 Explore and Engage: Dive into your new environment. Getting involved with local communities and activities can help you feel at home. 🤝 Seek Support: Utilize resources provided by organizations and connect with others who understand your experience. 🌟 Focus on the Positives: Remember the reasons behind your move and the opportunities it brings. ⏳ Be Patient with Yourself: Adjusting takes time. Give yourself the grace to adapt and grow. With the right support and mindset, this journey can lead to incredible growth and fulfillment. For additional advocacy and support, check out Connecting Bridge Inc.—dedicated to helping immigrants thrive in their new homes. Roselyn AdvinculaJorge FernandezNina CondoFamily DynamicsMillie BraunSeven Oaks Immigrant ServicesAbdikheir AhmedSatbir CheemaRaj Hundal #Immigration #Relocation #EmotionalSupport #CommunityResources #NewBeginnings #ConnectingBridgeInc 🌟

When I moved to Canada, it marked the beginning of a journey filled with challenges and growth. As an immigrant, I had to leave behind my support system, adapt to a new culture, and face language barriers. One of the biggest challenges I encountered in my first year was hearing the phrase, “We need Canadian experience.” This made me realize how difficult it is to rebuild both your professional and personal life in a new country. Adjusting to life here also brought financial and social changes. Back home, I had the comfort of familiar surroundings and enjoyed a more stable lifestyle. But here, I had to manage my expenses carefully and start from scratch to build a new network. These changes, while challenging, taught me resilience and adaptability. What I’ve come to understand is that migration deeply impacts mental health—not just for me but for many newcomers. Despite experiencing more stress, immigrants often don’t seek mental health support due to cultural barriers, stigma, or lack of access to services. Studies show that this delay in seeking help can lead to more serious challenges over time. Today, as someone committed to supporting newcomers, I know how important it is to address these struggles. Immigration isn’t just about moving to a new country—it’s about rebuilding your life, step by step, while embracing growth and resilience. 🌍✨ #Immigration #MentalHealth #NewBeginnings #Resilience #TogetherStronger

✨ Imagine this: It’s your 90th birthday. You’re surrounded by loved ones—family, friends, and people whose lives you’ve touched. They’re all there to celebrate you and the life you’ve lived. What are they saying about you? How do they describe the person you are, the impact you’ve had, and the legacy you’re leaving behind? This exercise invites you to think ahead with celebration and hope. For many immigrants, settling in a new country can feel overwhelming. It can be easy to lose sight of the bigger picture when you’re focused on surviving day by day. But imagining your future self can help shift your perspective and give you something inspiring to work towards. 🌟 Ask yourself: What achievements will I be proud of as an immigrant living in Canada? How will I have contributed to my community, family, or the world, despite the initial challenges? What kind of relationships will I have cultivated across cultures? What values and qualities will people remember me for? Now, reflect on how the choices you’re making today can help you become that version of yourself. What small steps can you take now to align your life with that vision, even during the tougher days? 🌱 In my last post, I talked about how the path to life satisfaction for skilled immigrants can take time, but with reflection and small steps, you can create the life you dream of. I hope this exercise will help you stay focused on the life you want to build, despite the obstacles. I’ll share more strategies that helped me stay aligned with my vision, even on the hardest days.💡 #LittleWayCounselling #ImmigrantJourney #OvercomingChallenges #ResilienceInAction

Reflections of an Immigrant: Finding Home Beyond Borders As an immigrant, my journey from Africa to Europe has been one of longing, anticipation, and ultimately, realization. For years, I harbored the belief that life in the first world would guarantee fulfillment and opportunity. However, upon arrival, I discovered a void that transcended material comfort. While the conveniences of the first world are undeniable—no load shedding, lower unemployment rates—there's an intangible essence missing, a sense of belonging that eludes me. Emotions previously foreign to me, like anxiety and depression, now make their presence known as I navigate this new terrain. In Africa, amidst economic challenges and power outages, there exists a vitality, a human connection that resonates deeply. It's a place where community thrives, and acceptance is innate, not legislated. There, amidst the chaos, there is life—a sense of belonging that money cannot buy. This journey has taught me that while geographical borders may change, the essence of home remains constant. It's not merely a location but a feeling—a sanctuary where acceptance and belonging reign supreme. As I continue to navigate this new chapter, I hold onto the wisdom that home is not just a place, but a state of heart and mind. 🌍 As an immigrant, one invaluable lesson I've learned is the importance of resilience, not just for oneself but also for the family we've left behind. When considering immigrating anywhere in the world, it's crucial to keep home at the center of your heart, for that's where true belonging lies. Let's remember to carry the hopes and dreams of our loved ones with us as we forge ahead on our journey. Here's to a week filled with determination and a steadfast connection to our roots. Have a wonderful week ahead! 🌟 #ImmigrantJourney #HomeIsWhereTheHeartIs #Resilience #FamilyFirst