Embracing a New Life Abroad: A Fresh Start Beyond the Ties of Home

For most, moving to a new country to start a fresh life is a daunting prospect. However, for many, it can be a journey of reinvention and personal growth. In this article, we explore the experience of those who have left their hometowns, families, and familiar environments behind to begin a new chapter in a foreign land.

Leaving It All Behind for a Second Chance

My journey began when I married and moved to my husband's town. Over the years, I moved to a total of five states and nineteen countries, including the United States. Each move brought its own set of challenges but also opened the door to new beginnings. My husband and, sometimes, my daughter provided a support system that helped me navigate these changes. Volunteering was a critical lifeline that kept me grounded during those transitions.

A Rebirth and a Fresh Start

Each relocation felt like a rebirth, allowing me to discard the negativity and focus on my true potential. It was as if I was emerging from the ashes of my past, much like a phoenix rising from the flames. Yet, there was a certain comfort in knowing that I had to reinvent myself every time. I could be anyone I wanted to be, and I could be myself. It was as if I disappeared from the world for a while, only to return as a new person.

Guarding a Historical Site: A New World of Possibilities

Recently, I retired to the Philippines and came here with just two suitcases. One contained my dive gear, and the other carried the rest of my belongings. Living in a beach house and diving has allowed me to live an affordable lifestyle that I couldn’t have in my previous life. I miss my kids and my grandson, but other than that, life is good. The experience of leaving behind a past that wouldn’t let me progress and opening myself to a new world has been incredibly enriching.

There are both exhilarating and sad moments when embarking on a new life. For instance, moving abroad meant leaving a long-term relationship. I was a single mom for three months after a twelve-year marriage. The experience was scary, like walking on the edge of a mountain. On the first month, I had to sleep on the floor of my apartment while waiting for my brother to bring my bed and TV from storage. It was a moment of great happiness to see him after so long.

Sunsets were a frequent occurrence during my first all-my-apartment stay on the 16th floor. However, a setback came when I got laid off and had to live off my Employment Insurance benefits for three decades. This period was filled with moments of reflection and doing nothing, but it was also a time for personal growth and reconnection with my spiritual essence.

Leaving everyone and everything behind to start a new life abroad is a transformative journey. It requires courage, resilience, and a willingness to embrace the unknown. Each move brings a new set of challenges, but it also opens the door to endless possibilities. It's a gift that allows one to rediscover themselves and live a life that aligns with their true potential.