Today is my Spanniversary… which means I’ve been in Madrid now for 17 years.

Here’s one of the lessons that I’ve learned along the way:

Your identity isn’t fixed — it’s fluid.

For those of us who — by choice or by circumstance — are building a life away from our countries of origin... it's important to acknowledge where you come from.

At the same time, it's important to never let your roots limit your ability to stretch and grow. Be humbled. Challenge assumptions. Or change directions.

Yes, you should hold fast to your personal values and your beliefs...

And...

You should embrace the ways your adopted country and those you meet may challenge what you thought to be true.

Raising my glass today to those of us who are navigating the grief and gratitude of building lives away from our passport countries.