"There is a lot of freedom you get in leaving your country of origin...You get a giant permission slip to start living life more on your own terms."
What does it take to survive and thrive abroad? In this "Words to Wanderers" series, expats and TCKs share their experience and advice. Today, writer Emily shares her story.
Please introduce yourself! Who are you, what do you do, and what’s one thing you’re loving in your life right now?
My name is Emily Bridget Taylor, and I am an artist and poet from Perth, Western Australia currently living in Boston, Massachusetts.
I am loving the transition into fall - the cooler air, soft breezes, and slight hush of gold and red beginning to appear on trees. I spend my days working for hope*media network supporting other writers and creatives to reach their goals while also working on my own poems and essays. I am soon to be releasing my next book of poetry, Remedy.
Tell us about your experience living internationally. Where were you born? Where have you lived? And what brought you to where you are now?
I was born in Perth, Western Australia and have always lived there until December 2022. In December 2022 I moved to Boston, Massachusetts - and felt the full force of a New England winter hit me! I had never known that kind of cold in my life. I moved here so I could close the gap between my partner and myself - we had been long distance for eight months and wanted to be in the same place!
You are a writer, a poet. How has moving and living abroad affected your writing?
I love this question! It inspired me to begin writing personal essays. This country has a strong history of incredible personal essay writing by female authors.
When I arrived, I began reading a lot of Joan Didion and Mary Oliver and wanted to try this specific form. Also, being in Boston, such a literary hub, really inspired me to push the boundaries and work hard at the craft.
In my time here, I have written about the places I have travelled to and the people I've met - and it's been so inspiring. Americans are also excellent marketers - I've learned a lot about the art of selling on these shores. All of these lessons I will take home with me to Australia when I return.
What’s something you enjoy about your expat life?
There is a lot of freedom you get in leaving your country of origin. When very few people know you, you get a giant permission slip to start living life more on your own terms. I also like how it has broadened my horizons in every way, and that it has made me appreciate home, as well as see its quirks more clearly.
What’s a hard thing about living abroad? How are you working through that challenge?
Not having much of a community is hard. I have been trying to meet online with writing friends to help with this. Also, I use social media to stay in touch with people back home.
How has living abroad impacted your spiritual journey?
It's made me closer to God in terms of trusting him to look after me and provide opportunities wherever I am. It was such a God-send to get the online job I got with hope*media. God also made a way for me when my passport got damaged, and I had to sort out an emergency passport. He also looked after me when my visa was challenging to get approved. Every obstacle was overcome with God's help. On the difficult side, I have not been to church as much as I would like because my regular spiritual community is at home in Australia.
What is something you’ve learned about yourself through your travels?
Travelling and living overseas has hugely increased my self-confidence. Now that I have done this, I really believe I can do anything. It's tough living so far from home, organizing visas, and relying on yourself more - but it makes you feel so much stronger, mature and confident in your abilities.
How would you encourage other expats and global nomads? Or, what advice would you give them?
Embrace the hardship and challenges this kind of life brings knowing that you are growing hugely, and will see the benefits of your effort one day.
Push yourself when you'd rather stay home, because it's better to get out there and experience things than to stay in your comfort zone.
Allow at least 3 months to get over the initial culture shock -- I watched a lot of Harry Potter in the first three months because it was familiar, just to cope with the huge shift.
Also, it's okay if it takes a while to find a routine. Being somewhere new can feel overwhelming at first. Give yourself time and grace to figure it out.
Anything else you’d like to add?
Deciding to live abroad is amazing. You will never regret it. Push yourself, and you will be so rewarded for being brave and giving things a shot. There's no shame, though, in deciding to come home when it feels right.
Where can we find out more about you?
The best place to continue connecting with me is by signing up (for free) to my email newsletter Love Notes (just click here: https://www.emilybridgettaylor.com/), where you will hear more about my travels and new creations. I'd love to get to know you.
Alternatively, you can follow me on Instagram at @emilybridgettaylor :)
Thank you, Emily!
What stood out to your from Emily's story or advice? Let me know below, and subscribe to the blog to follow the Words for Wanderers series!
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