In this heartfelt conversation on Nomadic Diaries: The Belonging Project, host Doreen Cumberford and co-host Megan Norton-Newbanks, interview Melki Siddiq, a communication coach, English teacher, counselor, and avid traveler.
Melki reflects on his cross-cultural journey spanning India and Colombia, delving into the paradoxes of belonging, identity, and self. The conversation explores how constant movement can fragment - and also enrich - our sense of self, what it means to find home, and the nourishing power of community, rituals, and meaningful questions.
Key Themes & Highlights:
- Introduction to Melki Siddiq:
Melki shares his professional background and experiences living in India and five years in Colombia. - The Paradox of Belonging:
Melki describes belonging as a push and pull between seeking connection with others and preserving individuality, a sentiment familiar to third-culture and cross-cultural individuals.
He shares, "Belonging everywhere and nowhere at once” - the tension and freedom of a nomadic identity. - Skill of Adaptability:
Through moving across cultures and languages, Melki developed adaptability and flexibility. He notes, however, that this flexibility may feel like fragmentation, prompting questions about identity and wholeness. - Productive Tension & Self-Discovery:
Melki views the inner tension of belonging as "a beautiful dance between being of the world and being in it." He regards self-inquiry as essential, asking: Can I belong somewhere without losing myself?. - Grounding Rituals:
Melki grounds himself through meditation and running—activities representing both stillness and movement, mirroring the oscillation within his own sense of belonging. - Community and Safe Spaces:
Melki values connections where masks are set aside and psychological safety is prioritized. He discusses his global network, including friendships formed at conferences and maintained through virtual meetups. - Coaching & Reflection:
As a coach, Melki prefers to guide rather than advise, encouraging self-discovery through reflective questions. Key prompts he uses:- Why am I seeking a sense of belonging?
- Am I being authentic, or just trying to fit in?
- Can I belong somewhere without losing myself?
- How can I create spaces that welcome others’ individuality?
- Memorable Quotations:
- “We are the thread in the fabric, but also the fabric as well.”
- “Home is where your heart is.”
- “How do I create spaces that welcome individuality in others?”
Where to Find Melki:
For Listeners:
This episode is a rich exploration of rootlessness, community, and the evolving nature of identity. Whether you’re a frequent traveler, an expat, or simply pondering your place in the world, Melki’s insights offer comfort and inspiration.
Thank you for tuning in to Nomadic Diaries: The Belonging Project. Don’t forget to subscribe, share your reflections, and join us next time.
Support the show
Home is Where Your Story Crosses Borders!
We aim to inspire expat solutions, by helping you navigate global living with ease and grace.
