Transitions often leave us feeling like our world has been turned upside down, intensifying our anxiety. In the last episode of Love Your Expat Life, we explored what anxiety is and debunked some common misconceptions about it (make sure to tune into part one first).    Today, I want to share a powerful tool that has helped me manage anxiety and regain control during transitions.    When you embrace the fact that certain aspects of life are beyond your control, you open the door to reducing anxiety. Anxiety doesn't stem from the transitions themselves; it arises from our th ..read more

For global nomads, change is the only constant. And, with the recent world events and constant flow of bad news this can make our anxiety levels rise.   Today, we're going to explore the intricate dance between navigating transitions and understanding anxiety, and how these two seemingly opposing forces can coexist harmoniously.   Transitions come in various shapes and sizes, sometimes overlapping, making life more complex.  And as global nomads, we add another layer to these transitions – adjusting to new cultures, climates, and leaving behind the familiar. These changes impact ..read more

Transition is a vital skill for success in the 21st century, whether or not we live abroad. So, how can schools, educators, & parents better help our children grow up to be more resilient during times of transition?   I know I’m not alone as a parent when I say– we move abroad with the best intentions, but we often focus on the logistical aspects of transitions and neglect the emotional rollercoaster our children have to navigate.   In this episode I have the privilege of speaking with Valérie Besanceney; a TCK, executive director of Safe Passage Across Networks (SPAN), and an au ..read more

There are 40 million global families who move to a new place, leave their neighbors, jobs, schools, and communities behind. They have to start all over again.    This is where international organizations need to step up and recreate that sense of a ‘village’ again so that those international children can thrive.   I’m joined by Former Co-founder at Expat Valley and Ombudsman for International Children co-founder, Matthijs de Rave. Together, we will delve into his inspiring vision for international children and what it means to make a real impact for these children.   Matthi ..read more

Often, people undergo changes when they feel dissatisfied with their current circumstances. In such cases, there's a tendency to hastily seek something different in order to find relief.    However, change is often best when we pursue alignment rather than relief. When we already appreciate the life we have and still nurture a desire for growth, for new experiences beyond our current horizons and are aligned with our reasons, this is when magic happens. Elizabeth Mina, who has made a dramatic career shift after 17 years in a senior position at a government agency, expands on why she ..read more

Clarity is a source of peace. It helps us feel focused and energized.   When there is clarity, there is no fog. When we are clear, we can move mountains. We can accomplish anything. We defy the odds, we don’t give up.   When we do not have clarity the opposite happens– we feel stressed and we do not take action. Do you often wonder: how, where, is that right?   Clarity is not something that falls from the sky, it’s something you create. For this reason, creating clarity is at the core of Unlock Your Full Potential coaching program.    So, how are you approaching the mo ..read more

Episode 112: Smooth Transition: How to Ease Repatriation with Repats, Wiebke Homborg, and Christina Kapaun   What, in your opinion, presents more challenges: moving abroad or repatriating to your home country?   In this conversation, we explore the stressors and challenges associated with repatriation, as well as solutions to minimize the transition's impact. Wiebke Homborg, a Third Culture Kid (TCK), and founder of Chameleon Coaching is an Intercultural Trainer and Expat Coach. Having returned to Germany three times during her 22 years of expatriation, Wiebke understands that each r ..read more

Expatriate women often share a common feeling of loneliness. . But guest Navine Eldesouki decided to take this shared feeling and create a community out of it. Navine is the founder of Coffee With an Expat, a female-centered space for meaningful connection and storytelling over a cup of coffee.    I asked Navine about how she grew her supportive global network for women. Here are her insights that you’ll learn in this episode:   The story behind “Coffee With an Expat” The importance of stepping outside of your comfort zone as an expat Finding one’s purpose and achievement ..read more

It’s well-documented that international assignments for dual-career couples can be both exhilarating and complicated at the same time. Many organizations with international talents have not fully understood the complexities of dual international career couples in their workforce. This is what usually happens: One career takes precedence over the other Two partners equally sub-optimize their careers They individually pursue two careers at the expense of the family.   Often, as dual international career couples, we tend to focus on the challenges and issues that arise in creating me ..read more

As parents, we have the best of intentions and we want our children to thrive in the midst of transitions. However, we're also dealing with our own roller coaster of emotions and so many other things. In this episode, we help you reflect on what you can do to support your TCK (and yourself better).   For instance, as a TCK parent, you might ponder questions like:   How do you comfort your children who might be excited to move for the first time, but who also feel the deep loss for everything they’re leaving behind?   How do you prepare them emotionally to say goodbye to their fr ..read more