 When you think of resilience, what comes to mind? A rock standing tall against the waves? A determined person trudging through life’s obstacles, no matter how hard? Or maybe, for some of you, it’s that stubborn desire to keep going even when the going gets tough—especially when it involves living your dream life. Because let’s face it, nothing worth having is ever easy.
I’ve seen it happen over and over. People pack their bags, leave the comforts of their familiar lives, and cross oceans to chase that elusive dream. The dream of a fresh start in a foreign land, the dream of a slower pace, a better quality of life, or maybe just an escape from what they perceive to be the chaos of their home country. The United States seems to be a popular place to escape from these days, and many Americans have set their sights on Europe for a better life. But here’s the kicker: many of them fail. And not just a little fail. I’m talking about full-on disappointment, broken dreams, and frustrated returns. How do I know this? Because I’ve lived it, watched it unfold, and learned from it. But here’s where the real conversation starts. I’m here to tell you the truth—living your dream life abroad doesn’t happen by chance, and it sure as heck doesn’t happen overnight. It takes resilience. It takes hard work. And it takes patience—a quality that's in short supply these days, I’ll admit. Let me share my story with you. From the States to Europe: It Wasn't Easy, But It Was Worth It I didn’t just pack up and leave the States one day and become a European overnight. Far from it. My journey has been long, complicated, and filled with paperwork, endless fees, taxes, insurance forms, and regulations that would make anyone’s head spin. I spent years juggling taxes between countries, dealing with bureaucracies that had zero interest in my American status, and navigating rules that felt impossible to understand. My first stop was Germany—land of beer, sausages, and taxes that can give you a run for your money. It was tough. I worked my butt off, and I paid through the nose. Not just in Germany, but in America too, because you know, the U.S. government likes to keep a close eye on every penny you make, even if you’re living abroad. But I didn’t let that stop me. Next up, I moved to Austria, and there, the fun really began. I was hit with an enormous import tax on a pre-owned vehicle, which, of course, sent me into a frenzy. But did I give up? Absolutely not. I powered through it with the kind of resilience that can only come from someone who’s been knocked down a few times and refuses to stay down. And then, after all that hard work and determination, I landed in Italy—the ultimate dream destination. Oh, but don’t let the beautiful Tuscan landscapes and charming piazzas fool you. The dream life here isn’t just about sipping red wine with a handsome Italian man serenading you under a moonlit sky. No, my friend, it’s far from that. The Realities of Living the Dream Here’s what no one tells you when you set your sights on a new life in Europe: things don’t always work the way they’re supposed to. Especially when it comes to paying bills or sorting out tax issues. Italy, for example, is notorious for having a digital infrastructure that’s about as reliable as a spaghetti noodle in a rainstorm. Paying a bill online? Forget it. But despite that, it’s still somehow the easiest country I’ve dealt with in terms of paperwork. In fact, every country I’ve lived in has had its own unique set of challenges. Germany might win the title for "Most Stressful Taxes" (congratulations, Germany), but it’s the U.S. that seems to think it’s entitled to know every single detail about your financial life. Meanwhile, Italy, with all its inefficiencies, has become the one place where I can finally see the finish line. After years of resilience, determination, and patience, I’m this close to achieving the lifestyle I’ve been dreaming of for decades. It’s not glamorous. It’s not an easy road. But it is worth it. Resilience: The Key Ingredient to Living Your Dream Life If there’s one thing I’ve learned through all my adventures (and misadventures) in foreign lands, it’s this: resilience is not just about bouncing back from failure. It’s about having the guts to keep going, even when the obstacles seem insurmountable. It’s about pushing through the hard times, trusting in yourself, and never giving up. Resilience means that when you hit a roadblock, you don’t just sit there and cry about it (well, maybe a little bit—I'm only human). You get up, you find another way, and you keep fighting for your dream. Life is hard, but that’s not an excuse to quit. If you want something bad enough, you’ve got to work for it. And if that means jumping through hoops, filing endless paperwork, and paying fees that make you question your life choices, then so be it. Let’s be real: If it was easy, everyone would be living their dream life. But here’s the thing—dreams are supposed to be challenging. They’re supposed to stretch you, make you grow, and test your limits. And the more you fight for them, the sweeter the victory when you finally achieve them. The Takeaway: Don’t Wait for Life to Serve You Here’s the real deal: Don’t for one second think you’ll be living the cushy life in a foreign country—whether retired or not—within six months. It took me a decade to get to where I am today, and I’m only inches from the finish line. That’s the reality of chasing a dream. It takes time, patience, and relentless perseverance. This is something we as Americans often forget—taking a moment to appreciate the privilege of our freedom, regardless of our political beliefs. When we truly want to do something—whether it’s living in a new state, working in a new field, or simply being heard—there’s nothing stopping us. And that’s something we often overlook: the freedom to act, to be, and to speak without fear. Now, here’s where the sassiness comes in: If you believe the grass is greener over here, perhaps it literally is—but don’t kid yourself into thinking it’s a smooth, carefree journey to paradise. Becoming a free spirit in Europe requires a sharp mindset. Don’t expect life to just hand you the dream you’ve been fantasizing about—it won’t magically appear while you’re lounging in a cozy café, sipping a cocktail with an umbrella in it. If you're imagining a life of surfing, skiing, or basking under the sun without a worry in the world, think again. Europe doesn’t exactly roll out the welcome mat for freeloaders. Trust me, I’ve tried living that relaxed life—and let me tell you, it’s not easy. In some countries, taxes can reach up to 50% of your income. And if you’re clever enough to try working less and earning less, brace yourself for a whole new set of challenges. Many European countries make it so complicated—with endless paperwork, regulations, and hoops to jump through—that you might just end up thinking it’s easier to take a higher-paying job. That "chilled-out" lifestyle starts to lose its appeal when you’re tangled in bureaucracy. But after a decade, I’m reaching the gold. The relaxed life I once dreamt about is finally within sight. And while this isn’t a message to deter you, it’s meant to encourage you to face the truth so you can be prepared to put in the time and effort to truly make your dreams a reality. So, if you want your dream life—whether that’s in Europe or elsewhere—you’ve got to put in the work. It takes grit. It takes resilience. And it takes the unrelenting belief that, no matter what, you can make it through. So, for those of you out there contemplating the leap—whether it’s to a new country or just a new phase of life—remember: it's not a walk in the park, and it’s certainly not a fairy tale. But it’s your story to write, and with resilience, anything is possible. Now, get out there, roll up your sleeves, and go after your dream with everything you've got. You've got this. 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.
|
