Embracing Change: The Transformative Power of Moving Country

This week a friend of mine announced that he is contemplating moving to another country for the first time, and I could hear his concerns Pete Taylor . Yet I know within that it can be one of the most powerful empowering moves of our lives. I've done it a few times now and all I could do was reach out and encourage.

There are so many reasons people move, I thought there was just two reasons in the beginning, love or money. That's not true, and it was such a simple and na?ve view of the world that I started with. And I am pretty certain that I have so much more to learn.

So to my friend, and to any of you who are considering a change, I might be the wrong person to come to because I will most probably say 'Go for it'!.

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Moving country can be a daunting prospect for many, but for some, it's a way of life - an adventure filled with context changing opportunities and self-discovery. As someone who has embarked on this journey several times, and still want to, I can attest to the numerous shocks, revelations, subtle changes that come with each relocation. Each move presents a unique set of exposures, ultimately leading to increased personal and professional awareness. Here are some reasons why I believe each move is a blessing:

1. Embracing Change

Moving country forces you out of your comfort zone and into the unknown. While this can be intimidating, it also provides an opportunity for personal growth. By embracing change and stepping outside familiar surroundings, you open yourself up to new experiences and perspectives.

Even getting on that bus, train, boat or plane to the unknown is a bet, a bet that you are making on yourself! Bet on you, go on!

2. A Quantum Jump in Personal Growth

With each new place comes a fresh start—a chance to reinvent yourself and become the person you aspire to be. Moving country allows you to let go of preconceived notions and societal labels, giving you the freedom to define yourself on your own terms. It's like hitting the reset button on life, propelling you towards your ideal self.

I remember walking down the street in New York in my 20s with a cleanly shaved head for the first time in my life and everyone was looking at me like I was normal. Yet, I was judging myself as if I was back in Ireland and the thoughts that I was thinking were what would the people who know me be saying now. But here that didn't matter.

3. Closer to Your Ideal Self

Every move brings you closer to your vision of the best version of yourself. Whether it's pursuing a new career opportunity, immersing yourself in a different culture, or simply seeking a change of scenery, each relocation brings you one step closer to aligning your reality with your aspirations.

It wasn't just the thought of a haircut that was holding me back but many beliefs which had suddenly lost their raison d'être.

4. Overcoming Excuses

We all have excuses that hold us back from pursuing our dreams. Whether it's fear of the unknown, attachment to comfort, or concerns about starting over, these excuses can prevent us from taking the leap into the unknown. Moving country challenges these excuses head-on, pushing you to confront your fears and embrace new possibilities.

5. Cultural Enrichment

One of the greatest benefits of moving country is the opportunity to immerse yourself in new cultures and ways of life. From sampling exotic cuisines to learning new languages, each relocation offers a unique cultural experience that enriches your worldview and broadens your horizons.

Would you go naked in a sauna in Finland, or cross country ski a marathon, or learn words in other languages and even learn to think differently about how you gesture or speak? Moving is the best 'forcing function' for these and many more adventures!

Moving country is not just about changing your physical location—it's about embarking on a journey of self-discovery, parts of yourself that may never get touched if you stay were you were. With each move, you have the opportunity to redefine yourself, overcome obstacles that didn't exist in your old environment, and embrace new adventures and experiences. So, the next time you find yourself faced with the prospect of moving country, remember that each move is a blessing in disguise—an opportunity to become the best version of yourself.

Embrace the change, and let the adventure begin!