Posts

What you don't know CAN hurt you!

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Just a bit over 2 weeks before our trip to Costa Rica, I was surprised to learn that passports need to be valid for 6 months after travel. I checked and our expired 5 months after... Uh-Oh!! I checked into expediting renewal, but it would have cost nearly $500 more plus with 2 weeks of Holidays, I was not confident we would make it. So I made the less-stressful decision to cancel and reschedule.  Lemon: Cancelling cost us our deposits Lemonade: Better than not being allowed to board at the airport! The Six-Month Rule: What Is It? Some countries won’t let you enter if your passport is close to expiring—even if it’s technically valid. They require a "buffer" period, often six months, to ensure you won’t face any issues during your stay or potential delays. This rule can apply to entry, visa approvals, or even when transiting through certain countries. How to Check and Prepare Know the Rules of Your Destination: Research the entry requirements of the country you’re visiting. S...

Channeling Stress into Positive Action: A Path Forward

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After the turbulence of the 2024 election, I found myself on the verge of frustration and dread. However, because of my training, instead of letting the weight of uncertainty consume me, I sought an outlet for my energy. I dove into researching places to relocate—exploring cities, cultures, and lifestyles that could offer a fresh perspective. The process gave me a sense of control and excitement, a glimmer of hope amid the chaos.  As Maya Angelou once said, “You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.” This endeavor turned into more than a search for a new home; it became a mental escape. Even if I don’t end up relocating, I now have a plan to visit these destinations, experiencing them firsthand and broadening my horizons. This simple act of envisioning a brighter future helped me see light at the end of the tunnel. It reminded me that change—even imagined change—can be a powerful antidote to stress. No matter the source of ...

WE are NOT alone!!

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Google searches about "getting the H*!@ out of Dodge" has spiked! Check out this video. This has been one of several references since the Election (yup, capital E, like H*!@ cuz it was and epic, seismic shift in reality) that I have seen including the news and even on Stephen Colbert.  According to a CNBC post :  Generally, the sentiment seemed to be founded more on frustration, rather than actual intention, according to the survey conducted by Casino.org. .. Among those polled, nearly 60% said they would be “very unlikely” to move, while only 2.6% said they were “very likely” to uproot and leave. The post also referenced these top countries where respondents indicated interest in moving: Canada United Kingdom Japan Australia Italy Ireland New Zealand Switzerland Spain France Sweden Germany Netherlands Costa Rica Mexico Canada was my first inclination. I was Googling just before Joe Biden dropped out of the race and was contacted by a Canadian realtor. I told him I w...

"Adventure is Out There": Drawing Inspiration from "UP"

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I was trying to pinpoint the source for "Serenity it Out There". This morning I remembered one of my favorite animated films, Pixar's Up. In it, the phrase "Adventure is out there" resonates deeply, capturing the essence of exploring the unknown and the human spirit of curiosity. But it also holds a profound lesson: adventure begins with a dream, yet dreams only come to life through action.  The Message Behind "Adventure is Out There" If you haven't seen the movie, I HIGHLY recommend it. My take-aways are: If the world changes around you, you are NOT stuck Start by asking   "What if?" Allow yourself to dream big (or stay home) You may eventually come to the conclusion  "Why NOT?"  Making a bold decision in the first step "You cannot change your destination overnight, but you can change your direction overnight." ~ Jim Rohn Take some action. Mine has included research, planning, and integration into my business Go bol...

Accepting Change and Exploring the World Beyond Your Backyard

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The Serenity Prayer has inspired countless individuals (including me) to navigate life’s challenges. It encourages us to accept what we cannot change, muster courage to change what we can, and seek the wisdom to know the difference.  I'll be honest you. My life turned upside down on Nov. 5. There was nothing I could do about that change, so my first inclination was to explore things I could and one of those what to change my own situation.  I had Googled Canada as a place to live prior to the election and on Nov. 6, I renewed that search. Partly because it gave me something positive to do and partly because I wanted to explore the "what if".  While Googling, I Discovered InternationalLiving.com For those ready to take the plunge into exploring life beyond their backyard, discovering resources like InternationalLiving.com can be a game-changer. This platform is a treasure trove of information for anyone dreaming of a lifestyle that spans borders, offering inspiration and ...