The Social Fears I Faced When I Moved To A New Country
- Kally Joanne
- Apr 9
- 5 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
Hello, beautiful souls! Today’s blog is a little personal — and I’m really excited to share it with you. We’re diving into a topic that I think so many of us can relate to: the fear of meeting new people and making new friends. Today I’m talking about my experience of moving to Austria, a decision that filled me with excitement… and also fear at the same time.
When I made the decision to move to Austria, I’ll be honest — I was a little scared. And not just the normal “nervous-excited” kind of fear. This was a gnawing anxiety about the unknown.
Moving to a new country is always a bit of a leap of faith, right? But it felt especially daunting for me because I was facing some major fears. What if I didn’t make any friends? What if I ended up spending my nights alone in my apartment, surrounded by gorgeous mountains but feeling totally isolated? What if people didn’t like me?
I kept thinking about my past experiences. In Australia, I had some truly lonely moments — despite being in a new, exciting place. I had struggled with breaking into existing social circles, and that fear of being an outsider was real. I feared the same thing would happen in Austria. What if I didn’t connect with anyone? What if it was much harder than when I lived in Ibiza, where things seemed to just fall into place?
It was during the pandemic when I moved to Austria, and everything felt so uncertain. But here’s the thing: even with all that uncertainty, something amazing happened.
I moved into a very social house, and from day one, people were kind, friendly, and welcoming in ways I hadn’t expected. I quickly realised that even though the world was going through a strange time, people still wanted to connect. There were real human connections happening all around me. People were still going out for drinks, attending outdoor events, and hosting little gatherings. The world had slowed down, but the warmth of community had not.
My housemates were incredible. They invited me to everything — from cosy dinners to impromptu parties. It felt like every night, there was something going on. We’d all sit around in the kitchen, share stories and laugh together. Even with some of the pandemic restrictions, I never felt alone. There was always something to look forward to, always someone who cared enough to invite me.
And then there were my colleagues. We clicked straight away and had so much in common, they were so inclusive and supportive to me. They didn’t just invite me to work events, they invited me to everything happening in town — from pub quizzes to festivals, to even simple afternoon coffee breaks. My world became this whirlwind of social invites and spontaneous outings. There was no space to feel lonely when everyone was so present.
I learned that when you show up as your true self — open, ready, and willing to connect — the world has a way of welcoming you in. My fears of isolation, of being the odd one out, were replaced with an overflowing social life, filled with beautiful, deep friendships.
Now, looking back, I can’t help but feel so grateful for those early moments of fear. They were the catalyst for some of the best connections I’ve ever made. If I had let those “what ifs” control me, I would have missed out on the friendships that have truly changed my life.
If you’re reading this and you’re in a place of uncertainty or loneliness — maybe you're thinking about moving, or just trying to get yourself out there and be social — I want you to know this: It’s okay to be scared. It’s okay to have doubts. But don’t let that stop you from showing up. Don’t let it stop you from stepping into the world. Because just like I found my people here in Austria, you can find yours too.
You are worthy of friendship, love, and connection. And sometimes, all it takes is one step of bravery, one invitation, one hello.
Thank you for being here today and letting me share this part of my journey. If you’ve felt the weight of isolation or fear of rejection, I hope this blog post serves as a reminder that your community is out there — just waiting for you to show up.
If you’re loving my blog, please make sure to share it with someone who might need this message.
Until next time, stay open, stay brave and never be afraid to step into your own story.
🌟 Are You Ready to Transform Your Life? 🌟
If you’re reading this and you’re feeling inspired by the journey I’ve shared today, then it might be time for you to take the next step in your own transformation. As a Personal Coach and Lifestyle Transformation Expert, I help people just like you break free from the limits they’ve placed on themselves and step into the life they’ve always dreamed of.
Whether you’re feeling stuck in your career, in your relationships, or simply in a rut where nothing seems to change, I can guide you through the exact steps to shift your mindset, elevate your confidence, and create the kind of life that feels aligned with your true self.
I specialise in empowering you to:
✨ Overcome self-doubt and fear — Just like I did, we can work through your fears and turn them into strengths.
✨ Step into your authentic power — Learn how to live boldly, confidently, and in alignment with your heart’s desires.
✨ Create lasting change — It’s not about a quick fix, it’s about true transformation from the inside out.
✨ Build deeper, more fulfilling connections — Whether it’s in friendships, relationships, or within yourself, we’ll work on attracting and nurturing those meaningful bonds.
I’ve had the privilege of working with amazing people who were once exactly where you are — feeling stuck, unsure of what comes next or afraid of what the future holds. Together, we’ve created breakthroughs, from growing businesses to rediscovering their passions and living in complete alignment with their values.
If you’re ready to take that leap — if you’re ready to break free from the “what ifs” and step into a life that feels full of purpose, abundance and connection — I’d love to work with you.
✨ Let’s start this transformation together! ✨
You can learn more about my coaching services and book a free call with me through the link below. Let’s connect, dive into what’s holding you back, and create a roadmap for your best life.
Comments