#82 - Amanda Fuenmayor: Navigating Identity & Belonging Across Borders

Amanda Fuenmayor is a university graduate with a degree in psychology who is now finishing her studies in interior design. Amanda’s passion for exploration has driven her to take a gap year to travel and immerse herself in new cultures. Originally from Venezuela, Amanda has lived in multiple countries, and her rich life experiences make her an insightful guest. We’ll be diving deep into her cultural identity, her approach to fitness, and how she manages anxiety while navigating her busy life. Amanda’s multicultural upbringing, having lived in Mexico and Canada after leaving Venezuela, shaped her identity in profound ways. She shared the struggle of not feeling “Venezuelan enough” when visiting her home country, nor “Mexican enough” while growing up in Mexico, which added layers of complexity to her sense of self. The contrast between her Mexican and Venezuelan roots, and later life in Canada, gave Amanda a unique perspective. However, it wasn’t until she connected with the Latin American community at university that she began embracing her heritage with pride, discovering a deep sense of belonging. In addition to her cultural exploration, fitness has played a significant role in Amanda’s life. Initially, her relationship with fitness was challenging, as she struggled with body dysmorphia and societal pressures. Over time, however, fitness became a source of empowerment for her. Amanda found solace in activities like walking and dancing, particularly during emotionally turbulent times, such as after a breakup. Walking, for example, became a therapeutic way for her to reconnect with herself, especially while traveling through countries like Italy. Amanda's experiences with anxiety have been intertwined with her lifestyle of constant movement. Moving between countries and adapting to new cultures has at times left her feeling unmoored, leading to struggles with identity and fear of the unknown. Her separation from family across different continents adds to the anxiety, amplifying feelings of guilt and loneliness. However, Amanda has developed coping mechanisms like journaling, meditation, and even reaching out for professional help when necessary, to manage these challenges. Her background in psychology has provided her with a deeper understanding of anxiety and the importance of self-care. Amanda emphasizes the need to create supportive environments and to maintain healthy boundaries. For her, anxiety isn’t something to be conquered overnight, but rather an ongoing journey that requires patience, self-awareness, and learning to accept help when needed. KEEP IT LONG TERM!