Cindy Cody, author of “Going for broke, or going bananas? How to leave home without loosing your sanity“. This article came across my hands at the very moment I needed to hear her inspiring words of wisdom.

“Some people know that there are tremendous opportunities inherent in change. Some people don’t even know they are alive. Which category are you in?”

In this article she shares her experiences and many pearls of wisdom. She give a checklist to help make sure your really prepared for your move and other advice to future expats (like me!).

I was interested in what she had to say since my move to Oslo, Norway is nearing closer everyday (and I am starting to feel the pressure). I am about three weeks away from moving to Oslo, and every once in a while the anticipation that I feel gives way to a moment or two of panic and worry.

I keep telling myself that my new-found worries are just a natural part of making such a big change in my life. I know its true in my head, and even through the not-so-nice feelings have started to bubble up here and there, I am absolutely sure that this is what I want to do. But as my moving day gets closer and closer, those little voices of panic are starting to feel the pressure that change always brings.

So, to hear some words of wisdom from an expat veteran before I move to Norway, is very helpful. She says that leaving a home you have known for your whole life can be scary (that reassurance makes me feel so much better!). She says that you will have moments of panic, doubt and some sleepless nights. She says your friends and family might think your “going bananas” and even try and talk you out of it (I’ve already been through that!). But she asks the questions, “are you going to be one of the proverbial sheep, or listen to your own heart?”

For me that question is not even a thought as to what the answer is. But it is so nice to be reminded from an expert expat that the not-so-nice feelings that are starting to come up here and there, are just a natural part of the process of moving overseas.

She suggests that talking with other expatriates will help any nervous feelings (like I have) and give you that extra boost and a shot of courage. She says it will remind you that you are not the first to do this and you wont be the last.

She quotes Max Willams, an expat in New Zealand. He says,

” We dared to step outside the comfort of the crowd to travel our own road. To where is not important. Its the going, the journey to experience the hardships, anguish and joys. To see beyond the clouds and rain and know that everyday there is a sunrise and a sunset. Our souls can now never be content on city streets, in offices, or secure suburban life. They will always long for those valleys, roaring rivers, sunset lakes, snow against a sapphire sky, wood, smoke, and rain.”

Hows that for a bit of inspiration?

Cindy ends the article, asking a question, “Some people know that there are tremendous opportunities inherent in change. Some people don’t even know they are alive. Which category are you in?”

I have to say that Cindys article and words of wisdom are exactly what I needed to hear right now. This kind of encouragement shuts-up those little voices of panic real quick. Because it is true that big change (like moving to Norway) is scary sometimes even if you know your doing the right thing. But its exactly these types of ‘big and scary’ changes that can result in knowing and experiencing truly being alive.