Moving abroad alone in my 50s was NOT what I expected

Summary

The speaker shares her experience of moving abroad, reflecting on the common desire to leave one's home country for a fresh start. She discusses the challenges of bureaucracy and loneliness, but also the profound happiness and personal growth that came from her bold decision. The video emphasizes the importance of taking risks for happiness, embracing change, and finding one's own sense of belonging, even in the face of difficulties.

Takeaways

• 🌐 The increasing trend of people feeling disconnected from their home country and seeking to move elsewhere is a global phenomenon.
• 🏠 The speaker feels a sense of belonging and happiness in Portugal, attributing it to the diverse and welcoming environment.
• 📈 The ease of obtaining visas like golden visas or digital nomad visas might be contributing to the trend of people moving abroad.
• 🧳 The speaker's personal experience of moving abroad with minimal belongings and the initial uncertainty about the decision.
• 😊 A realization of happiness and calmness in the new country, even leading to an improvement in the speaker's psoriasis condition.
• 🏡 The concept that location can significantly impact one's health and happiness, beyond its relevance to real estate.
• 🌟 A quote by William Hutchinson Mary I is highlighted, emphasizing that commitment can attract unforeseen support and opportunities.
• 💪 The importance of being bold, taking risks, and doing what one loves, as it can lead to personal growth and opportunities.
• 🔄 The acknowledgment that change and moving to a new place can lead to a transformation in one's identity and relationships.
• 🏋️‍♀️ The speaker's strategy to cope with loneliness and the challenges of bureaucracy by engaging in physical activities and socializing.
• 🤳 The temptation to rely on social media as a distraction during periods of loneliness, and the speaker's shift towards acceptance and self-care.
• 🌍 The appreciation for the safety and tranquility in Portugal, contrasting it with the perceived chaos and lack of personal safety in other parts of the world.
• 🎉 A reflection on the value of life as an adventure and the speaker's gratitude for the bold decision to move, leading to newfound happiness.

Q & A

What is the most common theme in the comments shared by viewers?

The most common theme is that viewers feel they don't belong in their home country and are considering moving elsewhere.

What is the speaker's perspective on the current global trend of people wanting to leave their home countries?

The speaker suggests that the trend might be due to the ease of obtaining visas like golden visas or digital nomad visas, but also implies there might be deeper reasons.

Why does the speaker feel a connection to the topic of moving abroad?

The speaker has personal experience, having moved abroad about a year ago with just four suitcases and has since found happiness and calmness in their new location.

What health improvement did the speaker experience after moving abroad?

The speaker's psoriasis, an autoimmune skin disease, improved significantly after moving abroad, which they attribute to their increased happiness and calmness.

What quote does the speaker reference about taking bold steps and the universe responding?

The quote is by William Hutchinson Mary, the head of the Scottish Himalayan Expedition, and it emphasizes that once one commits, the universe provides assistance and opportunities.

What difficulties did the speaker face when they first moved abroad?

The speaker struggled with loneliness, especially in the evenings, and had to adjust to a new pace of life and bureaucracy in their new country.

How does the speaker feel about the bureaucracy in Portugal compared to other countries?

The speaker acknowledges that bureaucracy is a common challenge in all countries, but appreciates the slower pace of life in Portugal, which they've learned to value.

What strategies did the speaker use to cope with feelings of loneliness after moving abroad?

The speaker started going to the gym, attending exercise classes, going to the beach, and participating in meetups to shift their feelings and make new connections.

How does the speaker view their time spent alone after moving abroad?

The speaker sees being alone as an opportunity to reconnect with themselves, listen to their thoughts, and discover what makes them happy at this stage in life.

What does the speaker appreciate about living in Portugal in terms of safety and calmness?

The speaker appreciates the quiet atmosphere and the sense of safety in Portugal, especially compared to the perceived chaos and personal safety concerns in much of the western world.

What advice does the speaker give to those considering making a bold change in their life?

The speaker advises to be easy on oneself, embrace the new beginning, and understand that it's normal to feel overwhelmed or out of place when making a significant life change.