The Number 1 thing to know to be successful in living abroad!

Hey y'all! As the saying goes "Know thine self" and that is something that many are in denial of or don't explore often enough . We change , evolve and hopefully grow! How does this play a huge part in your success as an expat?

[@professlch6347]

This is so USEFUL. Sometimes? We learn to take our own advice afterwards. How many times have I learned this truth, after-the-fact? Thanks for holding us -- and yourself! -- accountable. Let's tell the truth and shame the Devil!😂

[@malikahonthemove]

Amen! 🦋

[@SofieLove]

This is so true. Every time I visited Barbados, I would get so frustrated with how slow they were and their customer service. Why did I think I could move there and be happy? I packed up in January, left New York thinking I was starting a new life and two months later, bags packed; I was out. The Bajan culture and my NY way of living did not mesh well. In May, packed up again to start a new life in France. I had been there a few times and loved the place. One month later I packed up and went to Thailand. I didn’t realize the language barrier would be an issue because I planned on taking French classes. Thailand was a better fit, Bangkok to be specific because the majority of people I encountered spoke English. I’ve found that they are patient people and willing to help you. Now that I’ve checked it out, I’m back in NY preparing for my move to Bangkok. What you said was true. We need to reflect and be honest with who we are, our expectations, and the reality of life in a foreign country when you don’t speak the language. Translation apps will only take you so far. Finances is also key. Barbados imports everything. Everything! The price of food is double or triple what I was paying in NY. In Thailand, the US dollar goes far. It’s a great place to move to if you’re short on funds, or just need to save up money. Happy travels.

[@malikahonthemove]

Yes! Funny us Northerners are quick on our feet, we talk fast , think fast, even walk fast! I will be headed back to Bangkok probably January, I loved it! Best wishes for a successful relocation !

[@SofieLove]

@@malikahonthemove Thank you.😊

[@VeeCee09]

Thanks for the words of wisdom of SELF REFLECTING HONESTY & ACCOUNTABILITY!! Hard pill to swallow sometimes......No matter how far we travel, we'll ALWAYS carry ourselves with us. ..

[@malikahonthemove]

Truth!! Thanks for watching!🦋

[@angiemo0724]

Malikah, thanks for keeping it so real! I'm not even gonna front on what I know I want, need and don't wanna tolerate unless it's temporarily necessary at my age. I'm patient and flexible, but not happy if there's no clear communication long-term. I tried, but I only lasted 2 weeks trying to learn a new language. I've noticed my retention level has changed with age, and I don't want to struggle with anything I don't have to in my latter years. I'm all about Peace and Simplicity now. I'm being very honest with myself about where, when, how and why I want to live out whatever years God blesses me with in this earthly journey. I appreciate all that you share. 😊

[@malikahonthemove]

The retention is a problem for me as well. I also don’t want to do anything that I really don’t want to do at this age! I am too old to deal with an excess of nonsense! Thanks for watching!🦋

[@darlawarren1018]

The crickets...I love your humor! I needed to hear this. Thank you

[@malikahonthemove]

I’m glad you enjoyed it 😊🦋

[@elevenfiftynine]

Girl, when I call any customer service and get a sister, I get so happy I TEMPORARILY forget why I called. Great advice on all points; love the interjection of humor.👍🏼

[@malikahonthemove]

Exactly!!

[@LESHAUNWILL]

So true we were in the same boat girl with some of these things. My New York personality definitely didn’t resonate with Merida.

[@cassandraandrews6656]

Preach sister! I always say that the more preferences you have, the higher your risk for unhappiness. People who are easily pleased, are usually happier With that said coming from the US a rather diverse country it may be a good idea to associate with a particular culture BEFORE moving. That's what I did and in fact, learned Spanish before moving here . Speaking the language also gets you better customer service in appreciation for your effort to respect the culture. Even at that there will always be some things you did not account for (the heat) but you may be able to find a workaround.

[@malikahonthemove]

If I would have tried to learn Spanish before moving to Mexico I would have needed to start right after high school at the latest 😂

[@amidahsalahuddin8247]

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR SHARING YOUR WISDOM AND SELF REFLECTION EMPOWERMENT.... WE NEED THESE CONVERSATIONS REGARDLESS OF AGE . MUCH LOVE♥🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡💗💗

[@malikahonthemove]

I agree !

[@cindyk3076]

I love your advice to take a self-inventory, I hadn't taken that into consideration before!

[@malikahonthemove]

I’m glad to have offered a little something valuable 😊

[@cheryldurham6021]

Great video and points. Language, safety, transportation, distance to the US, acceptance of others as well as weather, cost of living and culture are things that I would consider if moving abroad. You prompted me to look beyond that. My personality would not work with a destination where there’s no sense of urgency for repairs or upkeep. Repairs and upkeep contribute to my sense of comfort. Just shared your video with a friend that’s looking to move abroad.

[@malikahonthemove]

Absolutely Cheryl! Thanks for watching and sharing!

[@sunseedsthoughts592]

This video is so necessary and very good advice. You're absolutely right about everything you said.

[@malikahonthemove]

Glad you think so!

[@whatsupwkirsten]

Real talk in this video, thanks for making it. Being retired gives us lots of time to reflect and learn about ourselves, right? And once we try something and then figure out it's not for us, at least we'll never have to wonder what it would be like, right?

[@malikahonthemove]

Absolutely! Live and learn!

[@nettelynch1622]

Wise words! We’re 5 months into a year long lease in Merida, and that will be the end of the Mexico experiment. We paid for drinking water service, but we can’t get them to deliver on time. They say they’re coming, but it’ll take 4-7 days before they do, My husband has to go to the corner store with his bad back and carry a 20 Liter bottle back home. In Merida heat. They say part of travel is self-discovery, and I learned some things I won’t put up with. Thanks Malikah😊

[@malikahonthemove]

Good that you learned what and how much you can tolerate! I hope you find your place, wherever it is!

[@blutru1328]

AMERICAN VALUES and PRACTICES are NOT the MEXICO VALUES and PRACTICES !!!! welcome back to USA, God Bless always !

[@LifewithTinaMarie]

I leave for Merida in 2 weeks! I am excited to try living there for a year. My biggest concerns are being away from my grandchildren (although being away from their parent's problems sounds blissful 😊) and how I will deal with the cultural differences. Can I retain my patience when I need something done but there is no way to fix it? Remains to be seen. However, such experiences will help me learn more about myself. Plus, I am not a tree; I can move

[@malikahonthemove]

@@LifewithTinaMarie you are right! You will learn more about yourself from every experience, the key is to pay attention and recognize your feelings and reactions! Best wishes to you and for your move!

[@sfedrickbridges]

Excellent advice.

[@donnapatterson3153]

Malika, you're honest to a fault. I see a lot of myself in you. You have a great sense of humor. Like it or lump it....❤

[@malikahonthemove]

Aww, thanks 😊 I always try to work on myself but I assume I will remain blunt to some degree 😊

[@XcellsiorConsulting0305]

Malikah this is why I created this channel self care and why I do self reflection regularly.

[@malikahonthemove]

Good for you!! So important!

[@blutru1328]

Personality and the Culture of the People in the Country you are considering relocating to. Excellent wisdom lady Malikah, because us Americans think the American values we have been accustomed to - will still be in the new Country. NOT !!!!

[@malikahonthemove]

Exactly!! I saw so many Americans having a HARD time when I lived in Thailand. Very different culture than ours. LEARN and OBSERVE, accept or go home!

[@vellakent-esiso7045]

Always appreciate what you share. I so agree with all you share in this video. So important to consider these things before making that move. I think you were very smart not to invest a lot of money in furnishings etc. in Merida which I am sure made it easier to leave Merida.

[@malikahonthemove]

Thanks for watching 😊. I scrambled but thankfully most everything sold .

[@sweetiejb]

Love the content! Good point of view.

[@malikahonthemove]

Thank you!

[@pearlperlitavenegas2023]

👍sage advice