My own journey of living and traveling overseas wasn’t just about seeing new places; it was the all-round teacher I didn’t know I needed. It stripped away the familiar, forced me to grow in ways I never imagined and showed me at any time we can create a new sense of identity that actually loves life, feels consistently happier and confident no matter what.

If you know deep down there has to be more for you, and you feel driven to explore beyond what you’ve been doing even if it doesn’t make sense to anyone else – it’s possible and I hear you!

There was so much I learnt, I chose to narrow down on what helped me to achieve a strong sense of inner peace. The below are useful for reflecting on current hurdles, ditching ‘same shit different day’, and stepping into your power. 

Here are my top 10 travel lessons to conquer self-doubt:

1. Your Worth Isn’t and Doesn’t Have to Be Determined by Others’ Opinions

It can be that simple. Living in unfamiliar environments, where no one knew my past or held expectations, taught me to shed the need for external validation. When I’d dwell, feel bothered by someone or something that occurred – I started asking myself, “Should I give that or them my power? Does that or do they deserve to control my energy? How is it I want to be thinking and feeling instead?” We can allow others’ limitations to dictate our happiness and health, or get back in the driver’s seat to determine our path and experiences. 

Takeaway: Choice is your superpower – own it and you’ll see more of your desired reality unfold.

2. Find Your Tribe, Wherever You Are

Connecting with others who “get it” – those who share your values and understand your unconventional path – is vital for feeling supported and seen. If those you grew up with disagree with you ‘changing’ it’s okay. It’s a sign to expand meaningful connections and nurture your curiosity. Even if you’ve felt burned or dealt with people who flake, your goals will feel 10x more doable when you’re surrounded by like minded individuals. They’re more likely to assist you with getting access to resources you need, advocating your efforts and fueling a can-do mindset – essential for your success.

Takeaway: You don’t have to feel alone. Actively seek out connections with individuals on the same page who will uplift and inspire you, connecting at least every fortnight/bi-weekly.

3. Cultivate Deep Appreciation

For those of us lucky to be raised in a first world country it’s easy to forget and take for granted everyday comforts – a cozy bed, reliable utilities, even access to a phone and bank account. When you see how people can live with kids in houses made of scraps and still be smiling, it puts things into perspective. When we quit constantly complaining about “everything” that isn’t working, we can shift focus to see “everything” can look a whole lot brighter. 

Takeaway: Practice gratitude and appreciation for the seemingly small things – what you get to do and experience. Solutions are there if we seek them, and positive shifts in your mindset and energy happens when you choose a perspective that is life supporting. 

4. Remember Each Individual Has Their Own Story and Is on a Journey for Their Personal Evolution

We’ve all had different upbringings, exposure to cultural norms, events and communication styles, that influence our level of self-awareness. You’ll encounter some or many who won’t agree with your lifestyle choices or goals – hence #2 being imperative. It’s easier to assume, ‘they’re slow,’ ‘I don’t know why she can’t…,’ ‘how can they not understand?’ An individual’s response to your ideas, abilities or other, will be relative to their experiences. If something didn’t work out for them, doesn’t mean it can’t work out for you. 

Takeaway: Practice non judgment, approach others with compassion and meet them where they’re at.

5. Feedback is a Fuel for Growth

When you’re fully outside your comfort zone, constructive criticism becomes invaluable for navigating new social and professional landscapes. Way back I used to get so offended, and take to heart whatever someone said to me instead of looking at it objectively. When we stop viewing what we’re told as a personal attack or ‘everyone hates me,’ it’s easier to develop positive thought processes, resulting in a desirable state of being. 

Takeaway: Anything anyone says to you is feedback, an opportunity to learn and evolve in harmony with how you intend to.

6. Embrace Radical Transparency

Navigating new cultures and systems demands clear and honest communication. First get clear on what your core values and desires are – helpful to break people pleasing habits too. Honor them and you avoid unnecessary frustration, regret and overthinking, by saying what you mean to say. This will also give you a clear contrast on what you want, by eliminating focus on what you don’t want. 

Takeaway: Speak your truth with clarity and kindness, looking at ways to help both parties benefit.

7. Impermanence Makes Life Beautiful

Life overseas throws curveballs, just as it can locally. It shows you the only thing certain is this moment right now. If things were meant to stay the same and always go according to plan, we’d be bored, miss out on being amazed and not grow in the ways we need to for our personal evolution. Change = variety. As humans it’s our desire for this and more that has brought us this far and continues to. Viewing uncertainty as beautiful dissolves fear and replaces it with excitement. 

Takeaway: Practice expecting best case scenarios. E.g. If you’re working on a passion project for 20 hrs/week and ‘hating’ the 9 to 5 you’re currently in, smile and remind yourself, “That job is funding the start of my dream career/lifestyle.”

8. Time Is Your Most Valuable Currency

When you’re on a limited visa, you become incredibly intentional about how and who you spend your time with. What we choose in all aspects – from our career to relationships and activities – is an investment of our energy. Knowing you can’t get time back is enough reason to stop saying yes to what doesn’t feel good, isn’t in harmony with your values, and won’t benefit your whole health in the long term. 

Takeaway: ‘Later,’ ‘only when,’ ‘what if it doesn’t,’ can deprive you of more joy than anything or anyone outside of you. Prioritize what really matters to you now.

9. It’s Happening For You not To You

Living abroad involves periods of solitude, logistical challenges and navigating unfamiliar systems that push you to feel comfortable as yourself, when no one’s around. Instead of wanting to default-freak-out, turn around situations that make you want to break down, call it quits and wonder what’s the point, shift it to this is why I’ll be stronger, more resilient and capable. When we stop wondering, ‘why is this happening to me?’ it’s easier to bounce back and realize you’re more capable than you give yourself credit for. 

Takeaway: Ask yourself, how can I use this? How can I look at this to strengthen my thoughts and empower my decisions? How can I empathize with XYZ? How can this help me improve XYZ? How will this add to my abilities?

10. You’re Already Complete

You are a whole individual. Anyone or anything is a compliment to your life, as you are to theirs. Thinking that something or someone is our reason for living, or is what makes us complete, can set us up for more pain, disappointment and extend the belief that we’re unworthy ‘unless’. The biggest illusion is believing our emotions or sense of completeness come from external sources. They originate within us, whole and valid regardless of circumstance – despite societal expectations, standards, and conditioning us to seek validation externally through status and achievement. 

Takeaway: You are complete, worthy and ever-evolving, here to enjoy this human experience. 

You might be wondering about the relevance, if living overseas isn’t your immediate goal. The essence of these lessons transcends physical travel; it’s about the mindset cultivated when you step outside your comfort zone. It empowers you to break free from limitations, accept guidance from your inner compass and trust the process of self-discovery. 

Mental and emotional exploration unlocks your potential to create a life aligned with your authentic self, right here and now.

Remember: You’re not starting from scratch; you’re starting from experience. 

Who you were doesn’t define who you are becoming, and your past doesn’t dictate your future. Even the toughest times or hurtful comments don’t define you – you do. Like a diamond, you’ve been forged under pressure and emerge stronger. 

Perfect doesn’t exist, and life inevitably has challenges. Instead of getting stuck trying to understand why, the power and joy lies in moving forward, using your experiences to benefit yourself, anyone or anything you care to positively impact.

👉Ready for support to transition or take the leap in a new adventure?

✨Book in a Chemistry Call to see how we vibe and if 1:1 Coaching is for you.

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✨Jump into Boldly Abroad if living or travelling overseas is on your goals list.