Belonging Everywhere and Nowhere

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:

• LinkedIn: Melki Siddiq
• Podcast: “Meaningful Conversations with Talk Cause” (Spotify)
• Website: talkcause.com

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.