I’m doing the unspoken and coming here to comment before I’ve even read the piece to say that I’m OBSESSED with Marie-Elizabeth’s glasses + pixie combo, and the name of her Substack. I know you’re not supposed to judge a book by its cover but OOF this is a person I immediately want to know.
I loved this whole thing but as someone who is actively exploring it, I’d love to know more about the bi country lifestyle! How do you stay grounded moving from one place to another?
Thanks for these tips! I think for me it’s less about the physical travel than the psychological flexibility of detaching myself enough from one place to grow roots in two. I’m a frequent travel and have lived in other countries for short stints, but am starting to feel ready for more, assuming I can figure out the logistics and do it in the way that feels like it’s in the best interest of my family. My husband is on board. It’s mainly the mental hurdle of activation energy that I’m trying to get past.
Ahhh, yes, that makes sense. So great your husband is on board!
You've identified the issue very clearly... the mental hurdle of activation energy.
That's the first step, knowing what the hangup is. Well done! The next part can be easy for you once you get around the overthinking.
What's worked well for you in the past to get over a mental hurdle?
a) just fucking take the first action?
b) journal out your fears, hopes, blocks, lists of tasks to handle... things like that?
c) research more about where you want to move and start looking at real estate to get yourself excited and in the mindset that you're actually going to do it?
d) something else?
That's what occurs to me on first thought...
I was out of the country 3x before I was a year old, so I've always moved around a lot and learned to carry my roots with me, which has it be that I don't have personal advice around this exact conundrum! XO
I think it’s a combo of b and c for me- I’m a researcher, so feeling like I have good information is key. And we have started looking at actual visa stuff so that seems like a good start!
I enjoyed this so much, thank you for inviting me!
You're welcome! I enjoyed learning more about you!
I’m doing the unspoken and coming here to comment before I’ve even read the piece to say that I’m OBSESSED with Marie-Elizabeth’s glasses + pixie combo, and the name of her Substack. I know you’re not supposed to judge a book by its cover but OOF this is a person I immediately want to know.
I loved this whole thing but as someone who is actively exploring it, I’d love to know more about the bi country lifestyle! How do you stay grounded moving from one place to another?
Thank you! That feels so great to receive. And hi! 👋🏼
Writing things down helps me stay grounded going back and forth, so I don’t try to keep too much in my head.
And if there’s something I really like, I make sure to have it in both places (if feasible), so I don’t have to remember to pack it.
Using a PEMF machine helps me ground after I land.
Mostly I like the variety!
Is there something specific that’s hard about it for you? Maybe we can brainstorm a solution!
I’ve never heard of a PEMF machine! That would be so great for my frequent US <> NL trips. Thanks for the hot tip!
They vary widely in quality, so definitely research! There are mats, too, like Higher Dose makes a nice one.
Also putting bare feet in the grass/on the ground helps! And making sure to get morning sun on your face as early as possible for 15 minutes or so…
Thanks for these tips! I think for me it’s less about the physical travel than the psychological flexibility of detaching myself enough from one place to grow roots in two. I’m a frequent travel and have lived in other countries for short stints, but am starting to feel ready for more, assuming I can figure out the logistics and do it in the way that feels like it’s in the best interest of my family. My husband is on board. It’s mainly the mental hurdle of activation energy that I’m trying to get past.
Ahhh, yes, that makes sense. So great your husband is on board!
You've identified the issue very clearly... the mental hurdle of activation energy.
That's the first step, knowing what the hangup is. Well done! The next part can be easy for you once you get around the overthinking.
What's worked well for you in the past to get over a mental hurdle?
a) just fucking take the first action?
b) journal out your fears, hopes, blocks, lists of tasks to handle... things like that?
c) research more about where you want to move and start looking at real estate to get yourself excited and in the mindset that you're actually going to do it?
d) something else?
That's what occurs to me on first thought...
I was out of the country 3x before I was a year old, so I've always moved around a lot and learned to carry my roots with me, which has it be that I don't have personal advice around this exact conundrum! XO
I think it’s a combo of b and c for me- I’m a researcher, so feeling like I have good information is key. And we have started looking at actual visa stuff so that seems like a good start!
Omg how exciting!! Congrats! 🙌🏼