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Halfway Through the Year and Quietly Stuck? 12 Mid-Year Reflection Questions for Expats
Halfway through the year, most of us are so busy living it that we never stop to ask whether we actually like where it's taking us. You set intentions back in January. Then life abroad happened — the move, the job, the endless visa admin, the friendships you're still slowly rebuilding — and the year quietly ran off without you. So here's your gentle interruption. Before the second half slips away too, sit down for a proper mid-year review with these 12 mid-year reflection que
Sheryl Gutac
5 days ago4 min read


From Berlin to a new beginning: Laura’s year of transformation
An expat new beginning doesn't always look dramatic. Here's Laura's honest story of going from grounded to taking flight — one small action at a time.
Patricia Abarte
Jun 214 min read


Stuck Abroad? Here's How to Stop Waiting and Start Creating Your Next Chapter
Feeling stuck abroad? Discover practical ways to stop overthinking, regain confidence, and create your next chapter wherever you live.
Patricia Abarte
Jun 143 min read


Decision Making: The 5 Hidden Autopilots Keeping You Stuck
Struggling with decision making as an expat? Discover the 5 hidden autopilots that may be keeping you stuck at a crossroads and learn how to make clearer, more confident choices. Based on a new episode of This Expat Life.
Patricia Abarte
Jun 114 min read


Unmasking the driven expat: Martina Gastaldello's road from expat burnout to alignment
Martina Gastaldello went from severe expat burnout and depression to alignment, peace, and pregnancy. Here's the honest story of what it took — and what she wants every expat woman to know.
Patricia Abarte
Jun 76 min read


How to Make Big Decisions (Without Forcing Clarity)
From writing my first book to planning a move abroad, here's the exact process I use to make big decisions — even when my head and heart don't agree.
Patricia Abarte
May 274 min read


Amplifying your most authentic self with Rianne Klein Geltink
Discover how embracing your authentic self can create more confidence, connection, and alignment in everyday life. Learn powerful insights on authenticity, identity, and self-expression from Rianne Klein Geltink.
Patricia Abarte
May 174 min read


How to keep momentum when you aren’t feeling good
Feeling stuck between wanting to move forward and not having the energy to? Here's how to navigate low periods without losing momentum on your next chapter.
Patricia Abarte
Apr 265 min read


A new chapter requires a new you
Why your next chapter in life requires an identity shift. Learn how to align who you are with the life you want to create.
Patricia Abarte
Apr 193 min read


How to not feel lonely when you arrive somewhere new
How to meet people and avoid being lonely when moving abroad. Amanda shares 3 practical ways to build connections in a new city.
Patricia Abarte
Apr 123 min read


The Big Decision, Moving to Mexico City & Trusting Myself
In Episode 100, I talk about my decision to move to Mexico City, feeling stuck in The Hague, expat life, big decisions, fear vs intuition, and learning to trust yourself when building a life abroad.
Patricia Abarte
Mar 293 min read


Expat Life Decisions: How to Stop Waiting and Finally Make Your Move (+ sharing my own!)
Expat life decisions don't have to keep you stuck. If you've been waiting for the perfect moment to make your move, here's what finally creates the clarity you need.
Patricia Abarte
Mar 175 min read


The Expat Waiting Room: The 3 things I say to Myself to Stay My Course after a Decision
Feeling stuck abroad and waiting for clarity? Discover what the expat waiting room is, why it keeps expats stuck in indecision, and how to move forward with confidence.
Patricia Abarte
Feb 103 min read


Navigating expat life decisions as a couple, with Wiebke Anton
Expat coach Amanda Maxime breaks down the expat waiting room phase—the in-between state where many expats feel stuck, unsure, and passive. Learn how to recognize it and how to step into your next chapter with intention.
Patricia Abarte
Feb 53 min read


My 3 goals and a big decision for 2026
Navigating expat life decisions can feel overwhelming. Amanda Maxime shares her 2026 goals and the bold decision to leave The Hague.
Patricia Abarte
Jan 84 min read


2026 Fresh Start Energy: How to Create It Before January Arrives
Want fresh start energy before January? Amanda Maxime shares five simple December practices to feel lighter, clearer, and grounded—plus a 20-second reset and her expat-friendly solo retreat, The Space (Cabin Edition).
Patricia Abarte
Dec 3, 20254 min read


Are you living in the Expat Waiting Room?
Expat coach Amanda Maxime breaks down the expat waiting room phase—the in-between state where many expats feel stuck, unsure, and passive. Learn how to recognize it and how to step into your next chapter with intention.
Patricia Abarte
Nov 26, 20254 min read


Expat Mental Health: What to Do When You’re Not Okay (and Can’t Quite Explain Why)
Feeling overwhelmed or “off” while living abroad? In this honest reflection, Amanda Maxime shares what her wobbly week looked like, why expats often experience emotional dips, and how she grounded herself again.
Patricia Abarte
Nov 18, 20254 min read


How I learned Spanish & Portuguese - Tips to Overcome Language Obstacles
Feeling stuck behind a language barrier while living abroad? In this post, I share how to overcome language obstacles from the inside out — through mindset, curiosity, connection, and simple daily habits that make learning easier and more enjoyable.
Patricia Abarte
Nov 5, 20254 min read


I didn’t see this coming: The Intuitive Download that Changed the Game
When logic fails, intuition leads. Discover how an intuitive download helped decision-making and self-trust to let go, grow, and create space for your next chapter.
Patricia Abarte
Oct 28, 20254 min read
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