Expat Life Archives - ExpatJoy

ExpatJoy - Passionate Global Living with Sandra Bissell

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20/01/2021

A Very Special Day Indeed!

Today is a day of celebration for my family and for the United States of America ! Twenty-six years ago, I became a mother on American soil. Kyle conceived in Japan, and unbeknownst to may husband and I immigrated to the land of the free in my womb. This January 20th, I’m beyond grateful to […]

08/01/2021

Brag Away for Improved Self-Worth

Today I’d like to spotlight one of the practices I’ve been using and teaching for the last three years.   In my community, it’s called bragging. When done in a safe space, it’s a tool that allows a woman to openly talk about her accomplishments and be validated by others, without judgment. It’s easy, yet so […]

07/10/2019

Mary Magdalene in the South of France?!

A big attraction of embarking into the expat lifestyle is the possibility of adventure. Yesterday, Brett (my husband), and I decided to check out a ‘myth’ well spread here in the South of France. It says that a boat with no sails and no oars landed on the shores of Provence, bringing some of Jesus’ […]

23/12/2018

Holiday Season Abroad and Mixed Emotions

Being away from family and friends can be hard, especially during the holiday season. How can I explain to my aging mother that this year I’ll spend Christmas and New Year’s in my home country, with her grown-up grandkids and my in-laws instead of traveling to see her? I can hear the disappointment in her […]

27/11/2018

Who’s the Leader of Your Life?

My client Frank gave me the best Thanksgiving gift ever. He had a breakthrough that can change the course of his life. In the many months, we have been working together; Frank has been developing his planning, commitment and focus skills, while increasing his confidence. He enjoyed the inner critic concept so much that he gave […]

23/11/2018

Life Musings

To people watch is a hobby to some of us. You can see this pastime taken place at the numerous cafés at most big cities around the globe. I have to admit that I enjoy watching people too. But, one activity that I really get a kick out of is to listen to people’s stories. […]

22/11/2018

The Act of Thanksgiving is an Art

Today, it’s Thanksgiving here in the United States. It’s my favorite American holiday; a whole day dedicated to giving thanks. History tells us that this celebration began when colonists and Native Americans shared an autumn harvest back in the 1600s. Many cultures throughout times shared similar traditions commemorating the bounty of the fall harvest. With […]

21/11/2018

Where You are is Perfect

Start where you are. Where you are is perfect. When you’re going through a life transition (divorce, marriage, empty nest,career change, etc.), or a location transition (moving for work, need or joy),  it’s tempting to wait until things settle down, to then work on your goals. If you feel lonely, your furniture shipment is stuck […]

20/11/2018

A Perspective on Moving

Did you know that moving is one of the major stressors in life? Surprisedly, it’s known to be one of the top five most stressful life events, along with divorce and the death of a loved one. If that’s so, how postponing settling down during an international relocation can affect expatriate transitions? As I embark […]

15/11/2018

Here’s How a Sense of Adventure Helps Expats

Most expatriates don’t fear a new adventure. That would contradict their chosen lifestyle. And a large number of expats seek out and thrive because of their new explorations. Recently, I was asked how a sense of adventure helped me during my international journey. Adventure is not hard to experience if you are open to new opportunities, […]