Wow, I really felt this. Moving abroad is such a huge step, and it's refreshing to read about the real, messy parts of it. Thanks for sharing your honest experience. Hang in there, and good luck with everything! Lots and lots and lots of love and hugs Fab 😍💕💖 And thank you so much for the shoutout 🫶🏻 Means absolutely everything to me 💗
Good luck indeed. Moving abroad is both a great adventure and a giant pain in the arse. Confusing bureaucracy, contradictions, confusion...all part of the fun Making new friends, fish out of water, learning a new language, a new way of thinking, a new way of doing things, priceless, as they say. Finding out who you are, how strong or weak you are. You are lucky to be doing it WITH someone. Many people just do it on their own. So try imagaing isolation and fear of the unknown, instability doubled or tripled when you are doing it all on your own.
Thank you so much, Bing! I agree, it is so much more fun and re-assuring when doing it as a couple. During my studies, I have done it on my own, so I am very much looking forward to this adventure 😊
Oh Fabienne, I can totally relate to the build up of exhaustion and anxiety leading to a much-needed cry to release it all. Thank you for sharing such a vulnerable yet relatable moment. And even though you thought you wouldn't be able to deliver a postcard, I must say you did a fabulous job on this one with all the details of the move and exciting storylines! It was a really fun one to read! It's true that no one talks about all the red tape you have to go through to move a family abroad. One step at a time though and it all somehow falls into place eventually (and/or you want to pull all your hair out because it is 10x harder than it needs to be!). I know you got it though! And a BIG congratulations on the growth of your Substack! Woohooo! You definitely deserve it, girl!
It's so reassuring how many can relate to the positive effects of a good cry! We see crying as a weakness, but it is a physical coping mechanism to process (and let go of) emotions.
Thanks so much for your kind words - super happy that you could not only relate but even enjoy the postcard.
Yep, currently taking a break from trying to not pull all my hair out - but I feel it turns grey prior to that 🤣.
Hey Fabienne, this is an awesome post! I somewhat resonate with your post (I’ve been abroad vacations and learning but not for long), but I do think this is an issue that most people don’t talk about. I’ve always been the type of person who gets homesick easily so it’s hard for me to even fathom doing that for long lol.They usually talk about the stress of moving boxes and objects, but not the toll it takes on you emotionally and mentally. Not to mention the amount of side quests you talked about lol. I’m super interested to see how things go. Congrats on the opportunity in Denmark! You deserve it! Keep up the great work! :)
Dear Khadejah, such a lovely feedback - especially the fact that you liked the postcard so much despit not having experienced (or necessarily desiring to experience) a similar situation!
I am a bit jealous since being homesick also means that you truely found where your heart and soul thrive and belong 🤍🥰 But I also guess that my postcards are perfect to explore all of the aspects of being away without getting homesick for you!
As usual, I love everything about this post - the content with the quests and the images are so amazing! 😍
Of course, I don't love the fact that you are going through some hard times, but admire you so much for sharing the tough truths which not everyone does. Everything seems to be moving so fast for you right now, hope you can take a well-deserved break once things settle a bit! ❤
Also, can we establish a Substack book club and discuss Fourth Wing & Iron Flame? 😅😂
Oh my, those storylines are so recognisable! And I avoid administration like the plague. I discovered since I become independent and the move to Italy how much I hate it!
I would pay somebody a lot of money to do it for me. But those people are so hard to find too!
Btw, I love a good cry, it's often the best for me to let go of a lot of buildup and after the cry + good night of sleep I always feel like I have more energy and see everything clearer again. So I think it was super good you had that cry 😄🙈
Also fantasy books to the rescues in times of need! I would grab back to HP in such moments.
You are already way more prepared than I ever could be! Thanks for sharing and love the original storylines and images 😍😍 brilliant!!
Thanks for sharing this. I was also Type C. I've done many hard things in my life, but the hardest was leaving my daughters behind when I accepted a job in Germany. Everything happened extremely fast.
I am glad you can relate to one of the types. In hindsight, I was a bit worried that people might feel offended to have their situation put into a bucket created by assumptions that I made. But I love to conceptualise and identify patterns 🫠
Leaving your daughters behind sounds incredible tough. But I sense this decision also involved becoming/being able to be the mother to them you want and need to be?
I definitely didn't see at as being put into a bucket. I read it as it's either A,B or C 😁 And I liked that you talked about. It can feel very lonely and like you're the only one dealing with it.
The irony was that I did it for them. I am from South Africa so I wanted to give them a better life and more opportunities when they grow up, but I definitely learnt A LOT about myself in the process 🙂
And also for sharing so vulnerable and courageous about your own experiences! Your girls have an amazing mum. Can’t wait to read more about your journey. Lots of love 🤍
Wow, didn’t know there was this much amount of work to shift countries. But I loved the way you narrated the whole scenario. I recommend you to write a fantasy novel in future. And I’m sending you lots of love and support to go through this messy part smoothly. No you don’t have to figure out everything at once. As I already said take it slow. One at a time.
Of course, not all of it must be all in place before moving - though I did not even started talking about the admin things that are required to be done once you have moved 🤣
Thank you so so much. I just realised that I went kind of free flow with the style. Glad you enjoy it. Well, let's start with becoming a better and consistent writer on Substack before attempting a whole fantasy novel. But it kind of sounds appealing. A fantasy novel with a marine topic. Oh oh oh, you got my brain thinking here.
But I am just going to repeat the mantra you are teaching me: Take it slow. One at a time!
Ohh there’s more than this? Phew. 😅 But I know you’ve got this and will manage to do all in time. Yeah add the novel idea to your future lists to do. I think it will be interesting.
Hahaha, yeah, like getting yourself registered in the new country, getting an ID, health insurance, tax chart, a local bank account (I won't get my salary until I have one), local phone number (some public services only work with a Danish phone number), etc. But I am not too worried about all of this since I know Scandinavian countries are quite efficient with running all of these processes.
Wow, I really felt this. Moving abroad is such a huge step, and it's refreshing to read about the real, messy parts of it. Thanks for sharing your honest experience. Hang in there, and good luck with everything! Lots and lots and lots of love and hugs Fab 😍💕💖 And thank you so much for the shoutout 🫶🏻 Means absolutely everything to me 💗
I am so glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for your kind words. It will be all fine 🫶🏻!
Good luck indeed. Moving abroad is both a great adventure and a giant pain in the arse. Confusing bureaucracy, contradictions, confusion...all part of the fun Making new friends, fish out of water, learning a new language, a new way of thinking, a new way of doing things, priceless, as they say. Finding out who you are, how strong or weak you are. You are lucky to be doing it WITH someone. Many people just do it on their own. So try imagaing isolation and fear of the unknown, instability doubled or tripled when you are doing it all on your own.
Thank you so much, Bing! I agree, it is so much more fun and re-assuring when doing it as a couple. During my studies, I have done it on my own, so I am very much looking forward to this adventure 😊
AH! so much fun to read those side-quests!!
My pleasure 😃 Glad you enjoyed them!
Oh Fabienne, I can totally relate to the build up of exhaustion and anxiety leading to a much-needed cry to release it all. Thank you for sharing such a vulnerable yet relatable moment. And even though you thought you wouldn't be able to deliver a postcard, I must say you did a fabulous job on this one with all the details of the move and exciting storylines! It was a really fun one to read! It's true that no one talks about all the red tape you have to go through to move a family abroad. One step at a time though and it all somehow falls into place eventually (and/or you want to pull all your hair out because it is 10x harder than it needs to be!). I know you got it though! And a BIG congratulations on the growth of your Substack! Woohooo! You definitely deserve it, girl!
It's so reassuring how many can relate to the positive effects of a good cry! We see crying as a weakness, but it is a physical coping mechanism to process (and let go of) emotions.
Thanks so much for your kind words - super happy that you could not only relate but even enjoy the postcard.
Yep, currently taking a break from trying to not pull all my hair out - but I feel it turns grey prior to that 🤣.
Hey Fabienne, this is an awesome post! I somewhat resonate with your post (I’ve been abroad vacations and learning but not for long), but I do think this is an issue that most people don’t talk about. I’ve always been the type of person who gets homesick easily so it’s hard for me to even fathom doing that for long lol.They usually talk about the stress of moving boxes and objects, but not the toll it takes on you emotionally and mentally. Not to mention the amount of side quests you talked about lol. I’m super interested to see how things go. Congrats on the opportunity in Denmark! You deserve it! Keep up the great work! :)
Dear Khadejah, such a lovely feedback - especially the fact that you liked the postcard so much despit not having experienced (or necessarily desiring to experience) a similar situation!
I am a bit jealous since being homesick also means that you truely found where your heart and soul thrive and belong 🤍🥰 But I also guess that my postcards are perfect to explore all of the aspects of being away without getting homesick for you!
As usual, I love everything about this post - the content with the quests and the images are so amazing! 😍
Of course, I don't love the fact that you are going through some hard times, but admire you so much for sharing the tough truths which not everyone does. Everything seems to be moving so fast for you right now, hope you can take a well-deserved break once things settle a bit! ❤
Also, can we establish a Substack book club and discuss Fourth Wing & Iron Flame? 😅😂
Oh dear, all these lovely comments really made my day. 🥰
I am just so incredibly happy that my writing resonates with you. Oh, I am going to soak up every second of our vacation in September, I promise 🤍
And yes, we need to discuss Fourth Wing & Iron Flame on Substack. Absolutely down for it!
Oh my, those storylines are so recognisable! And I avoid administration like the plague. I discovered since I become independent and the move to Italy how much I hate it!
I would pay somebody a lot of money to do it for me. But those people are so hard to find too!
Btw, I love a good cry, it's often the best for me to let go of a lot of buildup and after the cry + good night of sleep I always feel like I have more energy and see everything clearer again. So I think it was super good you had that cry 😄🙈
Also fantasy books to the rescues in times of need! I would grab back to HP in such moments.
You are already way more prepared than I ever could be! Thanks for sharing and love the original storylines and images 😍😍 brilliant!!
You don't know how much your comment on especially this post means to me. 🥰🫠 I was (and still am) struggling a bit with it!
We are absolutely ready to pay someone for it, too (as long as it does not cost an arm and a leg) 🤣.
I actually want to get all my HP books from my parents to read them again!
Again, I am just so happy about your comment (and the other comments, too 😭)!
Thanks for sharing this. I was also Type C. I've done many hard things in my life, but the hardest was leaving my daughters behind when I accepted a job in Germany. Everything happened extremely fast.
I wish you all the best with everything🌻🤗
I am glad you can relate to one of the types. In hindsight, I was a bit worried that people might feel offended to have their situation put into a bucket created by assumptions that I made. But I love to conceptualise and identify patterns 🫠
Leaving your daughters behind sounds incredible tough. But I sense this decision also involved becoming/being able to be the mother to them you want and need to be?
Have a very gentle start into the new week! 🤗
I definitely didn't see at as being put into a bucket. I read it as it's either A,B or C 😁 And I liked that you talked about. It can feel very lonely and like you're the only one dealing with it.
The irony was that I did it for them. I am from South Africa so I wanted to give them a better life and more opportunities when they grow up, but I definitely learnt A LOT about myself in the process 🙂
Have an amazing rest of the week 🌻
Thanks again for this great feedback 🥰
And also for sharing so vulnerable and courageous about your own experiences! Your girls have an amazing mum. Can’t wait to read more about your journey. Lots of love 🤍
Sounds like a fabulous adventure with a set intention! Happy for you and sounds like you’ve got this!
Thank you, for sure!
Wow, didn’t know there was this much amount of work to shift countries. But I loved the way you narrated the whole scenario. I recommend you to write a fantasy novel in future. And I’m sending you lots of love and support to go through this messy part smoothly. No you don’t have to figure out everything at once. As I already said take it slow. One at a time.
Of course, not all of it must be all in place before moving - though I did not even started talking about the admin things that are required to be done once you have moved 🤣
Thank you so so much. I just realised that I went kind of free flow with the style. Glad you enjoy it. Well, let's start with becoming a better and consistent writer on Substack before attempting a whole fantasy novel. But it kind of sounds appealing. A fantasy novel with a marine topic. Oh oh oh, you got my brain thinking here.
But I am just going to repeat the mantra you are teaching me: Take it slow. One at a time!
Ohh there’s more than this? Phew. 😅 But I know you’ve got this and will manage to do all in time. Yeah add the novel idea to your future lists to do. I think it will be interesting.
Hahaha, yeah, like getting yourself registered in the new country, getting an ID, health insurance, tax chart, a local bank account (I won't get my salary until I have one), local phone number (some public services only work with a Danish phone number), etc. But I am not too worried about all of this since I know Scandinavian countries are quite efficient with running all of these processes.
👍👍 Good then.