Major lessons from our life and move abroad.

Brain power comes and goes if you're a red-bearded guy named Jack or when you're in the midst of life changing adaptations. So, I've done my best to jot down these big-picture-type thoughts as they've punched me in the brain over these past several months.

Here I'm posting what I have so far. But I think it'll be cool, maybe even useful, to break some of these ideas down more categorically at a later date. Or maybe I'll just go to the beach;)

Major lessons from our life and move:

You don't have to be wealthy to pursue your dreams.

Discipline is not a curse word.

Make a plan. Nope, that napkin scribble is not a plan. I'm talking about a detailed plan, that actually estimates costs, travel times, connections, relaxation time, & how much beard care product you'll need to pack.

Plan, then know that you'll have to adjust.

Plan. And know that when you step out the door the plan will explode and you'll have to make a new plan from the crispy burnt up little nuggets of the original plan.

Take the long view. Or at least shoot for a long-er view. Or at the very least try to look beyond TGIF.

Understand that many of your assumptions will be wrong - some of the "Dream" will be crushed. Some of the ideas that you used to help convince yourself to take that big step will turn out to be wrong. 

Rejoice in the fact that you will realize newer, sexier, better dreams even whilst slogging through the tear-filled sewer of your previous stanky assumptions.

Courage. You'll have to be ready to overcome every level of fear and embrace the suck moments.

1. Tenacity, persistence, downright stubbornness. 

2. Debt free.

3. Get over yourself. Don't be afraid of embarrassing yourself. You're bound to do it anyway, no matter how hard you try.

4. Love.

5. Work.

6. Ignore labels & stereotypes.

Understand that most people are similar to you. Good parents love their kids and play with them. The morals may seem different, but in the end parents want their kids to be happy and successful. Bad parents suck, everywhere. There is a mix of affluent, middle class, and poor people in most large towns and cities. People living in the provinces/pueblos/villages/small towns are more dependent upon each other and typically more connected and concerned for others. Cities tend to make people feel more anonymous and often they ignore others outside of their own circle or neighborhood.

Prepare to be spontaneous.

Fight your fear of "the unknown" or "the new". Kill it with fire.

Ignorance is not a sin.

Find moments to do things that make you feel confident.

Make time for motivation!

You have to be ready for new smells. Seriously. And admit that the place you live stinks sometimes.

Food. If you're not ready to try some new food...you may be unhappy. BUT! Figure out how to make some of your favorite comfort food with local ingredients. One cannot live without TexMex!

Adventure is emotional.

Be ready to apologize. A lot. Be forgiving. A lot.

It helps to know "who" you are.  BUT, be prepared to learn new things about yourself. And know that, in learning a language, some things that are a big part of your personal identity will be muted or even silenced for a time.

Make out with your spouse. A lot.