Life is a tapestry woven with threads of experiences, both familiar and uncharted. Amidst our daily routines, we occasionally encounter waymarkers for big life changes. Whilst daunting, these can also be catalysts for personal growth. Spending extended periods abroad, in particular, presents a unique opportunity for self-discovery and immersion in diverse cultures. However, embarking on such a journey - especially for the first time - requires careful preparation and an open mind…
🤫 Confession Time
I was somewhat unprepared for the emotional impact of beginning our slow-travel adventure across multiple countries with Boundless Life. My emotional reserves were seriously depleted as a result of the preparation stage which, for us, involved selling our home and everything in it. Leaving for the airport with what was left of our possessions felt like the finish line, and I could finally breathe a sigh of relief and ‘get to the good bit’: our first cohort in Sintra!
However…
It soon became clear that I may have been a little premature when instructing myself that it was ‘job done’ on the change front. The real work was only just beginning. It took us all several weeks to recalibrate to our new setting. With each new location, this calibration period has shortened. This is a direct result of the groundwork and emotional resilience built up over all the previous transitions, but this takes time, self-reflection and conscious effort to ‘course correct’ where necessary.
In this Blog, you will find some tips that I wish I’d had before we started our own Boundless Life. These are equally applicable to any big life change though!
💡Don’t forget to also check our tips for helping kids to navigate Big Life Changes!
Assessing Your Readiness
Before embarking on any major life change, it's important to assess your readiness. This involves a stock-take of your current situation, evaluating your motivations, and acknowledging your potential concerns.
Consider asking yourself the following questions:
❓Why do I want to make this change? Understanding your underlying motivations is essential for maintaining focus and commitment throughout the process.
❓Am I prepared for the potential challenges? Change often brings with it unforeseen obstacles. Reflect on your resilience and ability to adapt to new situations.
❓How will this change impact my relationships and support system? Communicate your intentions with loved ones and seek their understanding. A strong support network can be invaluable during periods of transition.
Embrace the Unfamiliar
Preparing for big life changes involves adopting a flexible mindset and embracing the unfamiliar. This means stepping outside your comfort zone, expanding your perspective, and being open to new experiences. Consider these strategies specific to travel:
- Research and learn about your destination. Gaining cultural insights and practical knowledge can help minimise surprises and enhance your overall experience.
- Connect with locals and your fellow travellers. Building relationships with people from different backgrounds can provide valuable insights and enrich your journey.
- Be open to unexpected encounters and spontaneity. Allow yourself to deviate from your plans and embrace serendipitous moments.
Prioritise Self-Care
Navigating big life changes can be emotionally and physically demanding. Therefore, it's essential to prioritise self-care practices that promote well-being:
❤️🩹Maintain a healthy lifestyle. Ensure adequate sleep, a balanced diet, and regular exercise to support your physical and mental health.
❤️🩹Engage in stress-management techniques. Practice mindfulness, yoga, or other activities that help reduce stress and promote relaxation.
❤️🩹Seek professional support if needed. Don't hesitate to seek guidance from a therapist or counsellor if you encounter emotional challenges during the transition.
Slow Travel as a Transformational Experience
Slow Travel, characterised by immersing oneself in a destination for an extended period, offers a unique opportunity for personal growth and cultural exploration. By slowing down and connecting with the local community, travellers can gain a deeper understanding of different cultures, appreciate the nuances of daily life, and foster meaningful connections.
Preparing for big life changes, such as slow travel abroad, requires introspection, flexibility, and self-care. By understanding your motivations, embracing the unfamiliar, and prioritising your well-being, you can navigate these transitions with confidence and reap the rewards of personal growth and cultural enlightenment. Embrace the journey, for it is in the midst of change that we discover new aspects of ourselves and the world around us.
How Boundless Life can help smooth your path
Boundless Life has been intentionally designed to be a ‘soft landing’ for those transitioning to life in a new country - whether this is for our 1-month Getaway, a 3-month Experience or multiple back-to-back cohorts in single or multiple destinations. Let’s reflect on some of the advice above in the context of Boundless living:
✅ We will help you know as much as possible about your chosen location both ahead of your arrival and during your settling-in period. ‘Destination Discovery’ sessions build your confidence by helping you to get ‘under the skin’ of your new home and its culture to understand it on a deeper level.
✅ Community is key. We will introduce you to your fellow families during our ‘Pre-Arrival Webinars’ so that you can begin to make connections and forge friendships before you’ve even touched down. Our in-person community programming - including our Boundless Connections event at the beginning of the cohort - continually builds on this foundation.
✅ There may be bumps in the road. Our Local Crew and your new Boundless Life friends and neighbours will support you through them. Sometimes, it really does take a village!
✅ Almost unlimited opportunities for personal growth are available to you. Whether this is in the form of language learning, our weekly Yoga and Wellness sessions, community-led seminars and courses, or just trying something new - there is bound to be something for everyone open to personal growth and development.
An important caveat
A ‘soft landing’ is not the same as a ‘hitting autopilot mode.’ Think of Boundless Life as an incubator for the new life you seek. For the person you want to be. For the family life you aspire to. We can provide you with the physical environment, tools and lots of support. However, you need to pack an open mindset, some backup resilience and a community-focused approach for the ecosystem you are joining to truly thrive. For YOU and your family to truly thrive.
If you feel you’re ready (or could become ready) for a big life change of the Boundless-variety, we’d love to talk with you!
