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In this episode, Lois Bushong joins Megan Norton-Newbanks and Doreen Cumberford - Host of Nomadic Diaries for a thoughtful discussion on belonging among Third Culture Kids (TCKs), globally mobile families, and expats. The conversation covers generational differences, the power of cultural memory and rituals, strategies for fostering belonging across generations, and personal reflections on identity.

Main Topics Covered

• Shared Cultural Memory & Rituals:
  Lois Bushong explains how rituals—like celebrating cultural holidays or maintaining family traditions—create a sense of safety and belonging. Examples include celebrating Christmas Eve Latin American style and maintaining personal and familial touchstones from various cultures.
• Physical and Emotional Belonging:
  The hosts discuss how belonging isn't just physical, but deeply tied to our internal self and relationships. Lois Bushong uses metaphors to highlight the process of sorting through personal "baggage" and adjusting values, much like sailing and constantly refining your course.
• Strategies to Bridge Generational Approaches:
  Suggestions include reading Megan’s book Belonging Beyond Borders, using metaphors for self-discovery, journaling, seeking out international communities, connecting with other TCKs, and accessing counseling or coaching (especially with professionals experienced in TCK identity or trauma).
• Authentic Connections & Storytelling:
  Sharing stories about meaningful objects and international experiences helps elicit a sense of community and personal truth.
• Continuous Process of Belonging:
  The hosts agree that belonging is never static—it's a lifelong work in progress and sometimes requires cognitive reframing and conscious decisions.

Memorable Quotes

• "There is not going to be a perfect country that I'm going to land in. It's what's inside that's important." - Lois Bushong
• "Life is like being on a sailboat... we're always having to adjust the sails, adjust where we're going." - Lois Bushong

Resources & Recommendations

• Books Mentioned:
  • Belonging Beyond Borders by Megan Norton-Newbanks
• Belonging Everywhere and Nowhere by Lois Bushong

Find Lois/Megan/Doreen

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/lois-bushong-a3241ab/
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/megancnorton/
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/doreenmcumberford/

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You can map the move. You cannot map the metamorphosis. Nomadic Diaries explores the interior journey of expat life — the belonging, the identity shifts, the repatriation, and everything that travels with you that can't be packed in a suitcase. This episode may be part of our Re-Entry Series (30 episodes on coming home) or The Belonging Project (29 episodes on belonging across cultures). Browse the full catalog at nomadicdiariespodcast.com and please share or leave a review if this episode resonated.