Fearless of the Foreign: Living Abroad With Intention
In these episodes, host Diana Lauritson interviews Christine Job, the founder of Flourish in the Foreign, a podcast for Black women thriving abroad. Christine shares her background and early travel experiences, including her solo travels as a child and her study abroad in Spain. She also discusses the turning point in her life when she walked the Camino de Santiago and how it inspired her to move abroad. Christine explains the challenges she faced in making the move and the importance of living with intention. She also shares her journey of starting Flourish in the Foreign and the impact it has had on her and her listeners. In this part of the conversation, Christine discusses the importance of moving abroad with intention and being honest with oneself. She emphasizes the need to embrace discomfort and be prepared for the challenges of living abroad. Christine also addresses financial considerations and the importance of having a clear vision for one's life. She encourages listeners to be strategic in their approach to moving abroad and to prioritize their own happiness and well-being. The conversation explores the challenges and rewards of living abroad, focusing on the importance of self-reflection and self-understanding in order to create a fulfilling life. It also introduces Christine's upcoming book, 'Flourish in the Foreign: A Guide to Living Well Abroad.'
Takeaways
Traveling and living abroad can be a transformative experience, providing opportunities for personal growth and self-discovery.
Moving abroad requires intention and self-reflection to understand what you truly want and need in life.
Starting a podcast or sharing your own stories can have a profound impact on others and create a sense of community.
Black women should be empowered to tell their own stories and shape their own narratives, ensuring that their experiences are accurately represented. Moving abroad requires intention and self-reflection to determine what aspects of your life are working and what you want to change.
Embrace discomfort and be prepared for the challenges of living abroad, including loneliness and cultural differences.
Consider financial factors when planning to move abroad, and be strategic in your approach to finding employment and managing your finances.
Have a clear vision for your life and prioritize your own happiness and well-being when making decisions about where to move and how to live abroad. The fast-paced lifestyle in many countries can make it difficult to find time for contemplation and rest.
There is no utopia, especially for black American women moving abroad. It is important to recognize that no place is perfect and to focus on finding what aligns with your own desires and requirements.
Deeply contemplate and understand yourself before making a move abroad. Expect that your journey may feel incomplete or unsatisfying at times.
Living a beautiful life is about embodying what aligns with you, rather than conforming to others' expectations.
Christine's upcoming book, 'Flourish in the Foreign: A Guide to Living Well Abroad,' explores the signs and symptoms that indicate a need for change and provides guidance on uprooting and replanting oneself in a more fulfilling environment.
Embodiment of 'soft life' involves being deeply interested in oneself and understanding one's desires and requirements. It is important for black women and women of color to prioritize their own embodiment and not be influenced by societal expectations.
