When You Uproot Everything

Not all of us will walk the same path, but the feelings that come with change (fear, grief, identity shifts) are universal.

Moving abroad was one of the most courageous and terrifying things I’ve ever done.

It was a rollercoaster of emotions. Excitement, dread, pride, guilt, and so much fear, all tangled together.

The Weight of the Unknown

I carried the logistics: paperwork, consulate appointments, translations, and school research.

And I also carried so many emotions: the weight of the unknown, the anticipation of the goodbyes, the constant wondering, “Are we crazy to do this?”

We sold nearly everything, left the only world we’d ever known, and chose to start fresh while we still could.

Why We Took the Leap

I wanted our kids to know the world was open to them.

That they weren’t obligated to stay somewhere just because it was where they came from.

That it is brave to try something new, even when it feels uncomfortable.

And it was uncomfortable, especially in those early months, navigating unfamiliar systems, grieving what we had left behind, and trying to find our place in a culture that wasn’t ours.

Finding Belonging

But even in the unknown, I felt peace. A deep knowing that we were living in alignment with our values.

Expat life, while not always easy, has been one of the most meaningful decisions we have ever made. It stretched us, expanded our perspective, and taught us something we didn’t expect.

We now know we would be okay anywhere.

Because we have learned to carry home inside of us. To find belonging in each other. To build a life rooted in intention.

A Gentle Reminder

Starting over will challenge you. It might also be the most meaningful thing you ever do.

Reflection Question: What if home isn’t where you are from, but where you are most free?

Coming next: When the House Goes Quiet (Empty Nest and Rediscovering You)

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