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 […]
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 […]
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. […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
What do heart and spirit have in common? When combined they create courage. Accordingly to René Brown, originally courage meant “To speak one’s mind by telling all one’s heart.” However, how many women living between cultures dare to speak from our hearts when we first arrive at a new location? There are many reasons why […]
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, […]
Open to the Unexpected It’s exciting and sometimes rewarding being open to the unexpected when we are arriving at a new location. Would you believe if I told you that my husband and I walked into an Alpine Descend of the Cattle Procession without planning? And, that our only intention for Sunday was to take […]
If you arrive at a new destination and keep longing for your prior one, have you arrived at all? Imagine instead, if you land somewhere in the world and feel at home, even temporarily, and create happiness for you and those around you. Aren’t you then starting your transition on the right foot while in […]
I’m currently in the middle of a big life (recent empty-nester) and location transition (moving to Switzerland from the United States), and decided to write daily blog posts and give you a peek into the life of a S.T.A.R. – Spouse Traveling and Relocating Successfully. I like to think that I’ve become a successful S.T.A.R. […]
When we’re moving to a new destination to embrace a new adventure or just because it’s the best opportunity for our families we often fantasied about our new homes. Our initial assumption is that if it’s abroad, it must be exciting. But the truth is most new things are appealing because they are a novelty. […]
