💡Life 2.0: Leaping into International Living
Weekly Lightbulb: 10 Pieces of Advice for those leaping into International Living
Hey friend,
You’re not alone if you’ve ever dreamt of selling everything, booking a one-way ticket, and starting fresh in a country where your soul can breathe. I’ve worked with dozens of people who’ve made this leap — some landed beautifully, others landed hard.
Moving abroad doesn’t just change your zip code. It can change your relationship to time, purpose, community, even yourself. But only if you do it with intention.
Whether it was individuals and families looking to have a second base or those looking to move full-time, start projects like airbnbs, retreats, and communities with friends—I’ve learned a lot of valuable lessons.
Here are 10 things to consider before taking the Leap:
Get clear on your Vision & Intention: Is it escape or expansion? A burnout response or a call to something deeper? Your intention is the compass for the whole journey. Once you have your Why and your values, the rest flows.
Make a game-plan. Don’t wing it. Map out your timeline. Identify your milestones. It’s still your life, just in a new location. Make a canvas for yourself.
Create your criteria. Ocean or mountains? Off-grid or walkable town? Raw land or turnkey? If you don’t know what you’re looking for, it’s easy to fall for shiny distractions. When clear, you save other people’s time and your own!
Scout with curiosity. Visit different towns, climates, and cultures. Get a feel for the pulse of each place. What feels aligned in your body, not just your mind?
Stay awhile. Fall in love slowly. A two-week vacation isn’t enough. Live there. Shop, cook, walk, rest. Let the land speak to you over time.
Talk to locals. Ask questions, get curious. Learn what’s really going on. Are there community projects that light you up? Feel the fabric of the local community.
Rent or Buy before you build. Especially in new countries. There’s a big learning curve around permits, materials, and weather patterns. Take your time.
Assemble your local dream team. Lawyer. Architect. Engineer. Project manager. You need people who understand the systems and your vision.
Create a realistic budget. Plan for more than you think you’ll need. Don’t gamble your dream on financial stress. This isn’t about hustle — it’s about building a life that sustains you. So many people get stretched thin financially in these journeys.
Go slow. Seriously. Go slow in choosing land, building your team, or partnering with people. Speed kills vision. Patience protects it. Don’t rush any of this!
What I’ve learned is this: Life 2.0 isn’t just about leaving something behind. It’s about finally moving toward something deeply aligned — a life that reflects your truth, your values, and the way you really want to live. And it’s entirely possible.
If you're feeling the call to leap, just remember: every version of your dream life begins with a single clear step. Clarity and planning greatly reduce stress and promote success in these kinds of endeavors.
Here’s to your next chapter — may it be rooted, intentional, and deeply alive.
⚡️ 1:1 Mentorship Spots for June & July ⚡️
I’ll be opening up one space in June and one in July for a 1:1 Mentorship program for individuals or groups looking to take a leap in life and are stepping into a Land Projects - be it a new home and life abroad, or a retreat center / community project. We’ll work on the essentials of forming a clear vision, strategy, budget and team. If you are thinking about starting your own Land Project, feel free to reach out and schedule a short discovery call via the link and we can see if it’s a fit.
I’d also love to invite you to check out the Land Steward Alliance - where we meet monthly as a community to discuss our land projects and our lives with a collective of project founders, experts on the ground, and peers looking to not walk alone in this journey. We’re stronger together! And if you want to connect - schedule a chat!
