“Living the dream.”
It’s a phrase I hear often, occasionally said with sincerity, but more often with irony. I share in this week’s episode on Moving Countries 101 how recently, someone said it to me with such heaviness that it stayed with me. It got me thinking. What does it truly mean to live the dream, especially when it’s tied to the idea of moving abroad?
For many, the allure of relocating overseas lies in the promise of a fresh start: leaving behind the familiar and stepping into something new, exciting, and freeing. It’s a powerful idea. After major political events like the U.S. elections, Google searches for “move to Canada” surged by over 1,270% in a single day. Clearly, the dream of escaping to something better resonates deeply. (Sky News)
What happens, though, when reality doesn’t live up to the fantasy? Many expatriates face challenges they didn’t anticipate, and a significant number end up returning home or moving to a different country. (MoveHub)
It makes me wonder. What are we really searching for, and is a new location abroad the answer?
The Reality Behind the Fantasy
The Covid-19 pandemic intensified our desire for change and for travel. The idea of moving countries became even more appealing during lockdowns, as many of us dreamed of starting fresh in a new place. While international relocation offers adventure, it is rarely simple. The obstacles faced in adapting to a new culture, missing home and family, and unmet expectations make the transition far more challenging than anticipated.
I’ve read reports that even short-term expats struggle with reverse culture shock, if we can call it that. A BBC article described how returning home is just as disorienting for some as moving to a new country. (BBC) It’s clear that moving abroad is as much an emotional journey as it is a logistical one.
At its core, moving promotes growth. It invites us to evaluate what we value most, confront our fears, and redefine our goals. For some, the process of starting over is transformative. For others, it’s a reminder that fulfilment isn’t tied to geography. It’s a mindset.
Transformation or Disillusionment?
As I share in the podcast, one story shared with me stays with me. A woman told me how her three years in Spain transformed her. Not in the ways she expected. Instead of dramatic change, she experienced subtle and profound shifts. She described creating two versions of herself: the one who thrived in Spain and the one who re-emerged when she returned to America. Both versions were equally her, equally valid.
Moving countries not only boosts creativity and adaptability, but it also exposes vulnerabilities. It’s not just the new environment that changes us. It’s how we choose to engage with it. Whether you move or stay, your dream is likely to be realised when you take the opportunity to grow, reflect, and embrace your values.
Can You Live the Dream Without Moving?
For some, the dream of moving isn’t about geography. It’s about how we want to feel. Joy, curiosity, peace. I experienced this during my time in Turks and Caicos. The breath-taking scenery brought to the fore a sense of bliss and attentiveness. Over time, I realised those feelings weren’t tied to the location, and perhaps they were already within me, waiting to be drawn out.
That realization raises an important question. If moving isn’t possible or even necessary, how do we cultivate those feelings in our everyday lives? The dream isn’t just about where you live. The dream is about who you are and how you choose to engage with life.
At the same time, I find myself wondering. When we move, I notice we also bring our old patterns and habits with us. If we don’t take time to reflect on what we truly want and what might be holding us back, aren’t we likely to replicate the same challenges in a new setting? Moving abroad provides a fresh perspective, and perhaps is an invitation to evaluate what we are carrying physically, emotionally and mentally.
The Bigger Picture
Relocation can be life changing. For many, it’s a chance to reset, grow, and create something new. That said, it is not a magic solution. Moving countries or staying put both have the power to drive growth, foster evaluation, and highlight what we truly value. The dream is less about the place and more about the transformation it inspires.
An Invitation to Reflect
So, I want to invite you to reflect with me. What are you truly searching for? What feelings, experiences, or qualities does your dream evoke? And how can you begin to bring those into your life today, right where you are?
Moving abroad provides an incredible opportunity to embrace change and growth. Yet sometimes, the dream isn’t out there, but already within us, waiting to be realized.
A Special Christmas Invitation
As we embrace the spirit of giving this Christmas, I want to share something special with you. The first 500 readers to email me at movingcountries101@gmail.com with the subject line “Christmas Travel Offer” will receive a personal link to Travel Advantage, where I’m a member. This exclusive link provides no time limit access to up to 2 nights’ hotel stay at my discounted rate.
To claim your link, simply include your full name and email address in your message. This is my way of helping you embrace the joy of travel and to thank you for being on this journey with me.
About Clare Kay and Moving Countries 101
Clare Kay is the host of the Moving Countries 101 podcast. Drawing on over 20 years of experience in personal development and her global perspective and experience working internationally with people from diverse cultural backgrounds, Clare brings a unique approach that blends professional expertise with personal insight. The podcast features solo episodes from Clare, alongside conversations with guests who share their unique stories and experiences, offering listeners inspiration, clarity, and practical support for their relocation journeys.
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Podcast Links:
You can listen to/watch Moving Countries 101 on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and all major podcast platforms. Follow this week’s podcast here:
Apple
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/moving-countries-101/id1724940782
Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/show/4cxcZ9rbrvZ6A0B6UPMaXj
YouTube
