What No One Tells You About Chasing Dreams Abroad
Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. You know the one—basic survival needs at the bottom, spiritual enlightenment up top. Basically it the says people don’t have the capacity to think about their higher level needs until the lower level ones are taken care of.
This has been a good reminder when I start beating myself up for not tending much to my physical and spiritual health right now. It’s hard to chase inner peace when you’re not sure where you’ll live next month or how you’ll afford it all.
What It’s Really Like in These International Streets?
Don’t get me wrong, I love my life right now. But it’s not all sunshine, street food, and yoga goats. Some days feel magical. Others feel like I’ve made a huge mistake.
The Highs: When It’s All Clicking
Just yesterday, I had a day where everything lined up:
- I had lunch with a new friend
- I created a self-tour using Uber that saved me a bunch money (even after tipping generously)
- I had a major Spanish breakthrough—I wasn’t translating everything back into English in my head
- And best of all? A new video project came through! Shout out to Next Level Art Installations (an offshoot of The Chesapeake Framing Company) for the opportunity. It’s not just income, it’s portfolio growth. Win-win.
Fantastic day, right?
The Lows: Money Meltdowns and Moral Dilemmas
But just days before that, I had been spiraling. I couldn’t find a place in Guadalajara that fit my budget—$775 for six weeks in Cuenca vs. $1,200 for just three weeks in GDL. My housing budget is under $600/month, so… crisis mode activated.
I considered my options:
- Pet sitting: Great in theory, nearly impossible to align stars, dates, and locations…and beat out other sitters.
- Work exchanges: Still hesitating. I don’t know why I can’t pull the trigger on this one yet.
- Hostels: Nope. I did a trial run in Cuenca and didn’t even make it through the night.
- Homestays: My worst Airbnb was a “homestay.” I’m still emotionally scarred from it. Part of me keeps saying to give it another go because of the cost savings… but I’m not ready yet.
I also wanted to boycott Airbnb as part of the anti-billionaire protests in the U.S. But after hours of research, it is still the cheapest option in most places. I want to put my money where my heart is, but being ethical is expensive, and I’m still struggling with how to make peace with not being able to afford it right now.
Self-Discovery & Embracing My “Bougie Hippie”
At a yoga teacher training in Ecuador, I was nicknamed Bougie Hippie. Why? My fellow long-term travelers had large backpacks. I showed up with a large suitcase, carry-on, and a backpack. (I never ask anyone else to carry my, thankyouverymuch.) Everything in backpacks is not for me and I refuse to be luggage-shamed anymore.
In Guatemala, I was dubbed Delicata. Well, not just me, all Americans. Initially, I was insulted. But by the end of our tour, I was laughing at myself as I begged for a tuk-tuk because I couldn’t walk up another hill. Apparently, I’m not as tough a cookie as I thought. This journey, these steep climbs, these altitudes, etc. are showing me versions of myself I hadn’t fully seen before. I’m trying to embrace them all.
Faith, Ethics, and Building Something Real
The tarot readers on YouTube keep saying my abundance is coming. But not in the form of a white knight—I’m supposed to be my own damn knight. (Seriously, Universe?) I don’t have time to argue about fairness. I’m just pulling up my big girl panties and making it happen.
Attempt #1:
I’ve launched this blog while being resistance-supportive — without relying on Instagram or Facebook or Amazon affiliate links. Yes, making choices I can live with may make for a slower road to abundance, but it feels right. (I always said I’d be rich if I had fewer ethics. 😊)
And once I finally find my home base, I want to host VIP tour experiences — art, food, photography, survival Spanish for expats? We’ll see. I also want to contribute to the local community I join I refuse to be that expat who just takes, causes gentrification, and prices locals out of their community.
Conclusion: It’s All About the Journey
This path is challenging. Some days I’m full of hope, others I want to hide under the covers. But I’m still here. Still dreaming. Still adjusting my dream until it feels just right.
I may not have all the answers, but I’ve got curiosity and a camera, and a willingness to keep going. I truly believe it’s going to work out.
They say it’s about the journey, not the destination. They’re right.
Hang in there with me, y’all.
Have you ever wrestled with the practical and emotional chaos of building a new life abroad—or even just chasing a new dream? I’d love to hear your highs, lows, and everything in between. Drop a comment below!
