50. When your time abroad feels like it was just a dream

It’s hard to believe this is the 50th episode of the podcast, almost one year since I started!In this special episode, I’m diving into a topic that so many returnees feel but rarely put words to: why it can feel like our time abroad was just a dream once we’re back home.I explore two key themes: grief and integration.I share my very first day back home after two years abroad, what I felt, how I coped, and why it was so overwhelming.To draw a parallel, I open up about the grief I felt when I lost my ex, and the similarities between grieving a person and grieving a life chapter.I talk about the importance of acknowledging what you’re grieving, your life abroad, the version of yourself you used to be, and why clinging to the past is a natural reaction.Then, I shift to integration, the process of weaving your time abroad into your life now. I explore:The fact that most people’s baseline state is “fine.” Okay. Nothing bad, but not really alive either. What if instead, you made aliveness your baselineWhy feeling all your emotions (not bypassing the hard ones) is the gateway to joy, excitement, and presence.A simple tip to start integrating aliveness into your daily life.This episode is for you if you’ve ever looked back on your time abroad and wondered if it was real, if you’ve struggled to find meaning back home, or if you want to carry that sense of aliveness with you into this next chapter.Want personalized support for your return journey? 🔗Book a free 30-minute clarity call here: Here🔗 Join the 20 days challenge Rise Up : Here🔗Grab the Ebook Deep Dive : Here🔗Find me on Substack : Here Follow me on Instagram for daily insights and support: @The returner support Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.