When moving abroad we face multiple fears: the fear of loosing ourselves, the ability to find our self-confidence and a new community. We run into communication challenges and often can fall into the trap of forgetting to establish ourselves as an individual who believes and trust in herself.
This is what we chat about in this episode with Aneesa from Expat Panda, a lifelong international teacher committed to helping women with weak passports move abroad and travel the world.
Aneesa talks about the fine line between not losing yourself meanwhile trying novel things and growing into a new person. Self-support is a key in this and we discuss how having the confidence and trust in yourself will help you to deal with all the circumstances and challenges you might experience, knowing that you will see yourself through any situation that comes your way.
We chat about the perfection and why women are put to the higher standard expectations as compared to men, and the ability to accept that failing is growing realizing it’s okay to make mistakes.
Aneesa touches on the importance of communication in case you live abroad as a couple or have a partner from different culture. She says communicating openly is essential right from the outset and there is no such thing as being “over-obvious”. When living abroad or being in an intercultural relationship, nothing is ever too obvious and should be taken for granted. The only mistake you can do is to think that he knows what you think.
We also dig into the importance of creating a community and creating a safe space for yourself wherever you are. Aneesa shares her tips what can make this easier and why is it important to think outside of the box when looking for your people. We also ponder on the fact, that establishing yourself as an individual rather than a girlfriend, wife or teacher, is a key starting point for you to build a life in which you feel happy.
So, if you want to feel more grounded, connected and confident in the midst of your life, even if it feels like a rollercoaster, pop in those headphones and choose to Screw Being Unhappy!
