In this episode, Amanda and CJ reflect on their personal journeys over the past year, discussing the challenges and triumphs they faced. They share a special ritual for setting intentions for the new year, emphasizing the importance of reflection and gratitude. The conversation delves into the power of manifestation and the significance of rituals in marking time and creating a sense of grounding, especially for those living as expats. They conclude with thoughts on their aspirations for the upcoming year and the importance of community and connection.

Takeaways

* Reflecting on the past year is essential for personal growth.

* Setting intentions for the new year can provide clarity and direction.

* Rituals help mark time and create a sense of grounding.

* Manifestation can be a powerful tool for achieving goals.

* Living intentionally can enhance the quality of life.

* Gratitude is crucial in recognizing our privileges.

* Being an expat presents unique challenges and opportunities.

* Community and connection are vital for support.

* Writing down wishes as if they are already true can aid in manifestation.

* The journey of parenting is filled with ups and downs, and reflection helps navigate it.

A special thanks to @thatglagowwitch for the inspiration!

CJ and Amanda shares their personal experiences and best tips for building your community abroad.

Here’s the main takeaways:

1. Put yourself out there — community starts with brave first steps

Both hosts emphasize that building a village doesn’t happen passively. You need to take initiative:

* Say yes to “blind-date” coffees

* Join meetups (e.g., InterNations, “new to Frankfurt” events)

* Attend language classes or pregnancy/parent groups

* Accept invitations even when it feels awkward

Almost every friendship they formed began with taking a small social risk.

2. Shared experiences create the strongest connections

The transcript shows that community abroad often forms fastest around common life phases or needs, such as:

* Being new to the country

* Learning the language

* Having pets

* Pregnancy classes or young-kids groups

* Being an international living far from home

These “we’re all in the same boat” situations naturally bring people together and make it easier to bond deeply.

3. Build both international support and local integration

A balanced community abroad includes:

* International friends who offer emotional familiarity, understand holidays, and “adopt” you like family

* Local connections that help you integrate, navigate bureaucracy, learn the language, and support your kids in school

Even though connecting with locals can be harder (language barriers, established circles), both hosts agree that learning the local language and making some local ties helps you feel truly rooted.

Podcast links:

Mel Robbins Podcast Episode 283- It's Not You: The Real Reason Adult Friendship is So Hard & 3 Ways to make it easier: https://open.spotify.com/episode/55RjbE6ffgz4hcsLnOkNW5?si=bc14dc28aab744aa

Amanda and CJ checks in, with a surprise recording from thanksgiving morning, where they talk about the different holiday traditions and why they find it important to keep them going, while living abroad. They also share what they are grateful for, and invite all their listeners to do the same.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!