In this solo episode, Clare looks at preparing yourself mentally and emotionally for moving to another country, something that very few people do. As a result, many migrants feel overwhelmed by their move, often, even when that move is something they have dreamed of doing for decades.

To help you avoid finding yourself in this situation, Clare shares 5 short reflection exercises she has learned to do before moving to centre herself mentally and emotionally. Exercises that will also help you.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Be clear about your reasons for moving and note how you feel when you think about them.
• When moving as a family consider how the needs of each person can be met in your new country e.g. work, friendship, pursuing pastimes etc.
• Do some research and test your expectations of your new country. For example, don´t assume that because you speak the same language, communication and making friends will be easy. Factor in the need to adapt to the local culture.
• We all have items that bring us calm, e.g. a family ornament, prioritise taking them with you.
• Say goodbye to places as well as people when you move. Clare explains why in the episode.
• Ask yourself what you love about your home country to help you create strong memories that will bring you joy wherever you are.
• Don´t compare your home country with your new one. Instead, relish the new joys your new country brings.
• Prioritise self-care.

BEST MOMENTS

“Understand the deeper emotions behind your move.”

“Are your expectations based on anything you know, or are they based on what you want that destination country to be for you?”

“Take time to think about the people, the places that you hold dear, that you're carrying with you in your heart.”

“I don't have one foot in one country and one foot in another. I'm firmly stood in my destination country.”

“It's important to be connected to what is important to us to leave behind what isn't and take with us what is.”

EPISODE RESOURCES

Clare draws on ideas from previous episodes – The nitty gritty of getting ready to move countries, her conversation with Ella, and her conversation with Jennifer He.

Eat That Frog - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Eat-That-Frog-Important-Things-ebook/dp/B01E4AQRAS.

Atomic Habits - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Atomic-Habits-Proven-Build-Break-ebook/dp/B01N5AX61W

The Magic of Thinking Big - https://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Magic-of-Thinking-Big/dp/B015EXTAEO

ABOUT THE HOST

Clare Kay is a seasoned global mover – with an international career in sales, customer service, personal development, and as a flight attendant. She has sold books and TV programs globally, taught English as a foreign language, and supported non-native speakers through proofreading. Her own global moves – from the UK to Zambia, China, Taiwan, Nigeria, and the USA – bring direct experience, and her global outlook has given her the growth and connections to support others in creating a life abroad. Through her podcast Moving Countries 101, she inspires listeners with the confidence and courage to make their own move – and deepens the cultural conversation in her Facebook Group – Moving Countries 101 with Clare Kay

CONTACT

https://www.facebook.com/groups/movingcountries101withclarekay/

https://www.tiktok.com/@movingcountries101

www.linkedin.com/in/clarekay 

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