 Carlene Sullivan Let’s be real. Borders are hot-button topics, especially in America. Whether we're talking about immigration, identity, or human rights, it seems every line is drawn with fire these days. And when it comes to crossing borders—be they physical, mental, or emotional—let me tell you, it takes more than just a plane ticket or a pile of paperwork. Crossing borders, especially when you’re doing it to chase a dream, takes grit, patience, and maybe a little bit of crazy. I know this firsthand because I’ve spent the last ten years making my own dreams a reality in a place I’ve longed for since I was a kid: Italy. But getting here wasn’t a whimsical leap; it was a calculated, sometimes painful grind.
I’m a MindPower and Spiritual Coach, so helping people realize their potential is what I do. I push people to find their resilience and to go after what they truly want. And yes, sometimes that involves making some pretty big moves. For me, that move meant leaving the comfort of the U.S. and immersing myself in European bureaucracy to make my dream a reality. But let’s just say, it was anything but a walk in the Italian sunshine. Living Out Loud Requires More Than a Visa We love the idea of “living our best lives.” And for some of us, that life exists outside the borders we were born in. I came from a solid, middle-class family in America—stable and supportive. I had a decent life, but I had a vision that went beyond what was in front of me. Since I was young, Italy called to me. Fast-forward to adulthood, and here I am, still slogging through bureaucratic red tape just to stay in the country I love. For everyone asking why I didn’t just throw in the towel, here’s my answer: because dreams aren’t easy, and they shouldn’t be. Moving across borders requires more than just passion—it requires real effort and unshakable resilience. Paperwork Isn’t Just Paper—It’s a Test of Your Resolve Now, let’s talk reality. Moving to a new country isn’t as glamorous as Instagram might have you believe. Sure, the food, the culture, the views—they’re all worth it. But the process? Oof. It’s enough to test anyone’s patience. In Italy, I’ve had to tackle stacks of documents, forms in another language, endless queues, and the labyrinth of rules that come with trying to live as a foreigner. And don’t even get me started on trying to legally transfer a U.S. driver’s license to a European one. It’s been ten years, and I’m still filling out forms and ticking boxes, just so I can drive my own car. You think that’s minor? Try telling that to the officials who seem to thrive on making you sweat every single detail. And before you think it’s all complaints, know this: these obstacles are part of the journey. Every signature, every stamp of approval is a rite of passage that makes me appreciate my dream even more. Spoiled for Choice or Just Spoiled? Now, I love my homeland, but as Americans, we’re spoiled. Don’t get offended—think about it. We have the luxury of debating our identities, politics, and social issues in the comfort of a place where, for many, basic needs are met. Yes, America has its challenges, but the freedom we enjoy to speak our minds isn’t universal, and we often take it for granted. Over here, I’m reminded daily that dreams come with a price. If you want to chase them, especially across borders, you need to put in the work and respect the rules of the land. Spoiled or not, there’s a lesson in humbling yourself to foreign processes and systems. It’s about respecting where you are and honoring what you want enough to go through whatever it takes to stay. The Spiritual Path to Resilience: Border Crossing as a Mindset Here’s what no one tells you about borders—they’re just as mental as they are physical. And this is where resilience comes in. Border control isn’t just something you face at airports or physical checkpoints—it’s something you often face in your mind and heart. Think about those who cross from Mexico to America. The dream is real, but crossing illegally isn’t living that dream; it’s living in the shadows, constantly looking over your shoulder. It’s not about following your true path, it’s about evading the necessary steps. For me, it’s been ten years of navigating through bureaucracy to live my dream in Italy, and I’m still going. But every single step has been worth it. Why? Because I’m staying within each deadline, following each rule, filling out each form, and doing the work to reach my destination legally. Yes, it takes time, effort, and resilience. But that’s what it takes to manifest a dream. No shortcuts, no evading the system, just following the process—even when it feels endless. It’s those moments of doubt when the process seems too hard, and you wonder if the dream is worth the fight. But if you’re serious, you don’t let that stop you. You keep going, because real success comes from overcoming the borders in front of you, not running from them. You see, resilience isn’t just gritting your teeth through the grind. It’s a mindset. It’s knowing that every obstacle is an invitation to go deeper into what you want and why you want it. When you approach crossing borders from a spiritual standpoint, you realize that every line you cross—legal or emotional—is an opportunity to grow. You can either let the challenge break you, or you can let it build you into something more powerful. Keep the GPS On, Even When the Road is Bumpy. Living your dreams requires a serious internal GPS. You’ve got to keep your eyes on the destination, even when the road is full of potholes. Whether it’s a physical journey across countries or a journey within yourself, finding the path to what you truly want demands perseverance. In the same way you’d check your car’s GPS, you need to constantly recalibrate your focus and intention. So, here’s my punchline: Crossing borders isn’t for the faint-hearted. It’s for those willing to pay the price in resilience, courage, and raw determination. It’s for the ones who aren’t afraid to wrestle with paperwork, foreign languages, and their own doubts. And if you can find the strength to do that, not only will you cross borders—you’ll shatter them. If your dream is big, then it will demand big things of you. Buckle up and get ready to face every barrier head-on, because on the other side is the life you’ve been waiting for. Carlene Sullivan is a dedicated therapist and spiritual mindpower coach with years of experience helping individuals achieve greater self-awareness and inner peace. After transitioning from a successful career at a renowned medical spa, Carlene now focuses on guiding clients through personal growth, emotional healing, and spiritual transformation. Her compassionate approach blends therapeutic techniques with intuitive insight, empowering people to overcome life’s challenges and embrace a higher state of consciousness. For consultations, speaking engagements, or more information, feel free to contact Carlene at [email protected] or visit www.carlenesullivan.com. Comments are closed.
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