Living abroad can be exciting — new experiences, a new culture, and so many opportunities. Over time, many internationals feel the “honeymoon” phase wear off, and living life with all its transitions becomes the reality. Whether you’ve just arrived or have been living internationally for years, life doesn’t pause because you’re far from home. Career changes, family milestones, identity shifts, or feelings of isolation can feel more intense when your usual support network isn’t nearby. That’s...

➡️ It can be hard to separate what’s happening in the world from how we show up in our daily lives. The world feels heavy right now. In my counseling work , especially with people living abroad, I keep noticing this: ➡️ Global stress layers on to personal stress. When something big is happening in the world, it’s hard to separate it from your own daily life.  It all blends together. ~You can care deeply about what’s happening globally and still feel lonely living abroad. ~You can feel grief...

Watching the news from Amsterdam has brought up a mix of sadness, anger, worry, and helplessness - especially as community members continue to protest and demand accountability in the face of federal immigration operations and violence.  I am also feeling so proud of Minnesotans who are brave, kind and resisting - despite their fear and bitter cold temperatures.  Living internationally, far from home is very hard - as I want to support and show up for the community I care about, but I am...