Love Your Expat Life Caroline Giffon

Transitions often leave us feeling like our world has been turned upside down, intensifying our anxiety. In the last episode of Love Your Expat Life, we explored what anxiety is and debunked some common misconceptions about it (make sure to tune into part one first). 
 
Today, I want to share a powerful tool that has helped me manage anxiety and regain control during transitions. 
 
When you embrace the fact that certain aspects of life are beyond your control, you open the door to reducing anxiety. Anxiety doesn't stem from the transitions themselves; it arises from our thoughts and interpretations about these transitions. Recognizing this concept allows anxiety to lose its grip, providing the key to achieving calm in the face of uncertainty.
 
Here are 3 takeaways from this episode:
1. The transition isn’t the source of your anxiety, but you’ll learn what is
2. How to expand your sphere of control to find tranquility 
3. Powerful questions that’ll help you shift toward acceptance during your transition
 
Remember, by recognizing that we're not meant to have all the answers and letting go of the need for certainty, you can reduce anxiety and choose empowering thoughts. 
 
If you'd like to explore this further, feel free to reach out for help with your transition anxiety (I am not a licensed mental health professional, but I am someone who has gone through this in hopes of helping you navigate it with a little less stress).
 
Resources:
Couples Expat Summit (free resources): gain access here!
Episode 118: Navigating Transitions and Understanding Anxiety Part I
 

For global nomads, change is the only constant. And, with the recent world events and constant flow of bad news this can make our anxiety levels rise.
 
Today, we're going to explore the intricate dance between navigating transitions and understanding anxiety, and how these two seemingly opposing forces can coexist harmoniously.
 
Transitions come in various shapes and sizes, sometimes overlapping, making life more complex.  And as global nomads, we add another layer to these transitions – adjusting to new cultures, climates, and leaving behind the familiar. These changes impact every facet of our lives, from our daily routines to our social circles, making transitions a significant part of our journey.
 
Recognizing these changes and their impact is crucial because they often come hand in hand with stress and anxiety. The challenge is to navigate this anxiety without letting it hinder the benefits of our mobile lifestyle. 
 
Anxiety is a natural human emotion that has evolved to keep us alert to potential dangers. Still, in today's world, we often experience anxiety when no immediate threat exists. It's vital to understand this and develop healthy coping strategies for our well-being.
 
Here are 3 takeaways from this episode: 
1. Learn to distinguish between anxiety and actual danger 
2. Discover how our typical responses to anxiety can actually magnify our anxiety and what to do instead
3. Learn tools for navigating transitions with grace
 
In our next conversation, we'll delve deeper into how you can control your responses to these circumstances. Take some time this week to explore your own experiences with transition and anxiety. Listen to what your anxiety is trying to tell you and how it's impacting your journey. Most importantly, remember that anxiety is just an emotion – it may be uncomfortable, but it's harmless.
 
Resources:
Couples Expat Summit (free resources): gain access here!
Episode 3: The Rollercoaster of Emotions
Episode 32: Children and Emotions- part I
Episode 33: Children and Emotions- part II

In this episode of Love Your Expat Life, I’m joined by the incredible Sundae Schneider Bean, a true Renaissance woman in the world of intercultural strategy, transformation facilitation, and solution-oriented coaching. 
 
Join us as we delve into her journey of helping individuals and organizations not only survive but thrive through life quakes and significant shifts, no matter where they are in the world. 
 
With a decade of experience running a location-independent business and working with clients from over 60 countries across six continents, Sundae's insights are sure to inspire and empower you to embrace change and find success in the face of challenges. 
 
Don't miss out on the wisdom of this world-renowned host of the top-rated weekly podcast, IN TRANSIT, as we explore her secrets to embracing change and living life to the fullest.
 
Here are some key topics we discuss:
(2”) Starting ‘The Happy Hour’ podcast and how it contributed to Sundae’s evolution
How did you change to get to the next level?
Personal journey transformation: letting go of limiting beliefs
The most common form of resistance that expats experience & a tool to deal with that resistance 
 
Sundae’s personal evolution is a testament that no matter how uncomfortable– we all have the ability and resilience within us to push through a little more, dig a little deeper, and tune into ourselves more to allow our own transformative journey to unfold.
 
Resources:
Connect with Sundae on her website here
IN TRANSIT podcast with Sundae Schneider Bean

Transition is a vital skill for success in the 21st century, whether or not we live abroad. So, how can schools, educators, & parents better help our children grow up to be more resilient during times of transition?
 
I know I’m not alone as a parent when I say– we move abroad with the best intentions, but we often focus on the logistical aspects of transitions and neglect the emotional rollercoaster our children have to navigate.
 
In this episode I have the privilege of speaking with Valérie Besanceney; a TCK, executive director of Safe Passage Across Networks (SPAN), and an author of two childrens books– "B at Home: Emma Moves Again" and "My Moving Booklet”.
 
Through Valérie's experience at SPAN; an organization at the forefront of groundbreaking work in positive transitions-care, and through being a TCK herself– she opens up about gaps she sees in schools and families when it comes to transitioning. She proposes practical solutions for schools and families to prep and support children during these times.
 
We'll dive into the fantastic work she does with her organization and explore the skills needed to manage transitions well.
 
Other key topics discussed:
How have your personal experiences shaped your work in helping families and schools manage transitions?
How does unmanaged mobility impact the learning and overall well-being of children?
(13”) The roller coaster of emotions that’s associated with the different stages of the transition cycle
(17”) Effecrive tools to help children through transitions 
(19’44) What are some of the gaps and necessary skills you have identified in schools and parenting when it comes to equipping children for transitions?
(25”) A well managed transition
(29”) New social research around growing up as globally mobile and how transitions can make such a difference in an AI era.
Could you tell us more about the transition-care program you've developed at SPAN and the results you have seen through its implementation? 
 
Other key topics discussed:
6:57– Helping families transition easier by use of personal experiences
11:14– The impact of transtions on a childs wellbeing 
17:31– The rollercoaster of emotions associated with different transition cycles
21:01– Effective tools to help children through transitions
25:35– Gaps where teachers and parents can better equip children
29:49– A well managed transition
34:33– Astounding new social research about transitions and globally mobile children
38:26– Transition care program purpose & results 



Remember, transitions are not simply events to be endured but processes to be embraced. By equipping ourselves and our children with the necessary skills, understanding and embracing rather than resisting the emotional journey, and fostering a supportive environment, we can navigate transitions with resilience and thrive in an ever-changing world.
 
And, this goes without saying, one of the key ways you can help your children is to first help yourself. I encourage you to stop waiting for your perfect life to align, but to carefully craft the life you love– no matter the location or transition. If you need help, head to my website to see how we can work together!
 
Resources mentioned:
Connect with Valérie Besanceney on LinkedIn
Learn more about SPAN here
Episode 108: Unresolved Grief and How to Overcome It: Part 1 with TCK Expert, Dr. Ruth Van Reken
Episode 109: Unresolved Grief and How to Overcome It: Part 2 with TCK Expert, Dr. Ruth Van Reken
Visible Learning book by John Hattie
 

There are 40 million global families who move to a new place, leave their neighbors, jobs, schools, and communities behind. They have to start all over again. 
 
This is where international organizations need to step up and recreate that sense of a ‘village’ again so that those international children can thrive.
 
I’m joined by Former Co-founder at Expat Valley and Ombudsman for International Children co-founder, Matthijs de Rave. Together, we will delve into his inspiring vision for international children and what it means to make a real impact for these children.
 
Matthijs has been a pioneer in ‘thinking outside the box’ and successfully approaching corporate organizations in the mobility sphere. His abundant mindset has been instrumental during his startup journey, so we explore how it shapes his approach and leads to his remarkable achievements.
 
In this conversation, we cover key topics like:
6:00– The commonalities between international children
7:47– Support system changes for internationally mobile children & where Expat Valley fits in
17:40– How an abundance mindset can help you overcome challenges & how to cultivate one
25:52– Tools and resources for TCK parents
39:58– The future of Expat Valley
 
This conversation is packed with real life insights and solutions on how we can understand and think creatively about how to better serve internationally mobile children.
 
And, this goes without saying, one of the key ways you can help your children is to become an example of what is possible. I encourage you to stop waiting for your perfect life to align, but to carefully craft the life you love– no matter the location. If you need help, head to my website to see how I can support you and your family!
 
Resources mentioned:
Learn more about Expat Valley on their website
Episode 79: How to Help TCK Kids Build Resilience & Navigate their Emotions with Lauren Wells
Episodes 107: Transitions and Changes of a TCK with author, Michael V. Pollock
Episode 108: Unresolved Grief and How to Overcome It: Part 1 with TCK Expert, Dr. Ruth Van Reken
Episode 109: Unresolved Grief and How to Overcome It: Part 2 with TCK Expert, Dr. Ruth Van Reken

Often, people undergo changes when they feel dissatisfied with their current circumstances. In such cases, there's a tendency to hastily seek something different in order to find relief. 
 
However, change is often best when we pursue alignment rather than relief. When we already appreciate the life we have and still nurture a desire for growth, for new experiences beyond our current horizons and are aligned with our reasons, this is when magic happens.
Elizabeth Mina, who has made a dramatic career shift after 17 years in a senior position at a government agency, expands on why she decided to shake her beautiful island life in Hawaii all while being a new wife. Spoiler alert: she wanted alignment.
To me, alignment means that we are in agreement with oneself. There is no tension. What we think, feel, and do are harmonious. This is what I help clients do. Create alignment independently of location and circumstances so that they reap the full benefits of their life abroad. 
Mina’s story is inspiring, insightful, and full of valuable lessons that we can all apply in our own lives. Below are some key points we unpack together:
The inspiration behind a drastic life change
How Mina clarified her vision 
Navigating risks and uncertainty
Career decision obstacles 
Letting go as a means to succeed
 
Resources mentioned:
Episode 64: Relaxing & Slowing Down
3 Steps to Clarify What You Truly Want- FREE Challenge

At Girafe coaching I help global nomads make urgent decisions with ease. Be sure to schedule a Decision Accelerator Session here!