A letter to the past

What I would say to myself if I could call back in time:

Socialise

Sign up for a German course. Yes, I know you already speak well, but it's necessary for socialisation. You'll spend evenings twice a week among people who are also taking their first steps in Germany, dealing with bureaucracy, missing their relatives, suffering from loneliness. There may well be someone there with whom you feel at ease.

Organise your life

Find a house doctor. A dentist, gynaecologist and massage therapist. A beautician and a manicurist. A husband for an hour and a cleaner.

A broken tooth, a leaky tap and a runny nose don't have to knock you off your game. You'll feel more confident if you have someone to call for every problem.

Take care of your health

Increase the frequency of therapy to twice a week. Just trust. And settle for antidepressants. Firstly, it will help you cope. And second, you'll start getting regular check-ups. Every three months, not every three years. In your 40s, it's time to look after your health.

Be mobile

Get your driving licence and buy a car. Yes, Munich is also convenient by transport. But with a car, you'll have a whole different degree of freedom.

Seek pleasure

Find your favourite café. Preferably several. Where you can go on Saturdays for breakfast or pop in midweek for dinner. You'll start to be recognised very soon. At least you will have a place where you are welcome.

Socialise

Looking for friends is stupid advice, right? You're not Cheburashka. But at least notice people you like and socialise sometimes. In real life, not just on Facebook.

Do sports

Get some exercise. Any kind. Walk around the lake, swim in the pool, run on the treadmill. It structures your thoughts, produces happy hormones and helps you booze less in the evenings. And, yes, booze less.

Remember where you're going

Integration is a journey that ends sooner or later. All you can do is take tea, biscuits and music in your headphones along the way.

And I'll be waiting for you at the end of the journey. With cold Prosecco, Italian salami, sheep's cheese and early cherries.

P.S. I take former, future and failed emigrants into therapy.