My Expat Story
From Expat to Immigrant and Everything In Between
I can still remember getting on that plane to Paris in the summer of 2000. I had just said some very emotional goodbyes to my family and looked ahead with bright, teary eyes as I took off for a new life overseas. It was an overwhelming mix of sadness, excitement, and uncertainty - it felt like life was full of endless possibilities. And it was.
Over the past 25+ years, expat life has been an experience like no other. I’ve found fulfilling work, made meaningful connections, and built a life I never could have imagined at the start of my journey. I married (and later, divorced) my best friend. I had an exciting career in advertising, then experienced a less-than-exciting burnout that led me to reinvent myself and align with a deeper sense of purpose. I’ve navigated the loss of friendships, mourned loved ones from afar, and learned to manage chronic illness - all while living abroad.
Through every transition, one thing became clear to me:
when your inner foundation feels strong, you can handle almost anything life abroad brings.
But when that foundation cracks - even slightly - everything else starts to feel heavier, more confusing, and harder to navigate.
That understanding is what eventually led me to coaching. Through my 1:1 program, I offer a forward-focused, action-oriented space where you can slow down long enough to hear yourself again.
Coaching with me isn’t about fixing you - it’s about helping you reconnect with your identity, untangle what’s been weighing on you, and understand what you truly need in this chapter of your life abroad.
Together, we look at the areas where things feel off-balance: emotionally, mentally, physically, and spiritually. And from there, we shape realistic steps that help you feel more grounded, clear, and confident in your daily life overseas.
When your inner world steadies, everything outside of you becomes easier to navigate.
Your decisions feel clearer. Your energy feels more stable. Your days feel more like your own.
If this resonates with you, I’d love to connect and explore how my coaching can support you in creating a life abroad that feels calmer, more intentional, and aligned with who you are now - and who you’re becoming.
-Theresa
