I enjoyed this story of your decision-making process Cheyanne and finding your desires. I like that you share the ups and downs of this which resonates for me and my own journey living abroad. Thank you
Thank you for reading! I’m always here to share the ups and downs. I don’t think glossing over life is helpful to anyone. I’m here for the authenticity!
What a fun story, Cheyenne! I loved every minute of it, from the desire challenge to the melted metal to your husband just being like 'yep, let's go'. It's so real and authentic and crazy and so my vibe. Good for you guys. You had really never been to Portugal before before you moved? I'd love to hear more about how that went! Guessing there's more on your Substack, or more coming!
Thank you!! It’s truly been a little unhinged which isn’t typically my MO, but makes life so much more fun. I’ve dug into it a bit on Substack but I should probably share more!
I'm so inspired by your courage! I'd love to make a similar kind of leap, so this has given me a lot to think about. Congrats on your move, I'm looking forward to following your journey!
I loved going down memory lane with you. What a bold move! Your ´desire-pulling’ exercise reminds me of one I did a few months ago where I had to come up with a list of 50 things starting with the prompt ‘Wouldn’t it be cool if…’. At first I wrote down very basic things but ended with big dreams and projects I had never truly voiced out, let alone put down on paper.
That sounds like a fun exercise too! Very similar but there’s something more expansive and whimsical about “wouldn’t it be cool if…” I’ll have to remember that one.
Thanks for sharing! It’s so exciting when you and your spouse are both on board with the life-upending adventure. It’s like you almost expect one of you will eventually be the voice of reason and put a damper on things. Ha. So happy it worked out for you all.
Thanks did shading this! It’s been my dream/plan to move to Italy once my daughters graduate high school, which is now this June, so working on turning the plan into realty. I’ve thought of doing Portugal first though, because I heard it’s the easiest way to get a EU passport if you’re a digital nomad, any experience with that?
Hi Sarah, I don't know a ton about the Digital Nomad visa. I had a friend do it, but we did the passive income visa which we could work on. I think it's a 1-year non-renewable visa, but definitely check into it. Portugal is absolutely known for having one of the fastest routes to citizenship, but it doesn't come without its challenges. The immigration department is extremely behind right now in Portugal. In fact, I never even got to apply for my residency permit the entire year I lived there.
If you're interested in Portugal as an option, I'd look at the Facebook group Americans & FriendsPT. It is such a helpful group and they have real-time info on all the visa programs and the process.
I loved hearing your story. The best part to me was that your husband had no hesitation and was like let’s go for it! That’s really cool. You guys were on the same wavelength. And made it happen! Your story is inspiring to me!
It’s hard for me to explain how odd his reaction was! He is not one to ever agree that quickly. We need a plan, details, contingencies, etc. Maybe the wavelength part is right because I never in a million years would expect him to agree like that!
Your story is what I want my story to be in a year's time. I have a baby on the way and am also planning the move to Portugal. Many people call me crazy but your story is the reminder for all of us that nothing is impossible.
My friend group definitely had a betting pool about whether we’d leave or not 😆 so I totally get being called crazy. To so many people that leap is unfathomable and that’s okay! I absolutely think you can do it. Lmk if you have any questions along the way!
Thank you so much, I will definitely reach out if any questions come up. And wow, a betting pool. It's insane how people don't believe that we will do what we say haha.
The way I cackled when I read this part. I love, love, love how most of the writers I've met in real life and here on Substack dream of moving to Europe 😂
I, too, am sick of life and work and so dang burnt out that I want to burn everything down. So I'm aiming to get my ass to Spain or Ireland.
Anyways, this is an awesome read, and I'll definitely do this desire-pulling exercise with my sister. I know we both want to migrate, but let's see what else is hiding under the surface 💃
As a fellow immigrant to Portugal, I absolutely identify with the sentiment that others say is so brave… yet what you felt at the time was desperation. Samesies.
Hey great post Cheyenne. I like the beach photo with the footprints deviating from the mainstream path.
I'm visiting Portugal for the first time in about a month. Flying Boston to Lisbon, then planning to go to the southern part, and stay in Sagres for a bit.
My friend Brian https://substack.com/@brianwiesner is an expat living in Barcelona. He's also written about his move abroad. Last time we talked he mentioned he wants to visit Porto soon.
I enjoyed this story of your decision-making process Cheyanne and finding your desires. I like that you share the ups and downs of this which resonates for me and my own journey living abroad. Thank you
Thank you for reading! I’m always here to share the ups and downs. I don’t think glossing over life is helpful to anyone. I’m here for the authenticity!
I’m going to try the desire-pulling exercise this week! Think I know my heart’s desire but let’s see what comes up.
Ooo yes! You’ll have to share if you’re comfortable about it!
What a fun story, Cheyenne! I loved every minute of it, from the desire challenge to the melted metal to your husband just being like 'yep, let's go'. It's so real and authentic and crazy and so my vibe. Good for you guys. You had really never been to Portugal before before you moved? I'd love to hear more about how that went! Guessing there's more on your Substack, or more coming!
Thank you!! It’s truly been a little unhinged which isn’t typically my MO, but makes life so much more fun. I’ve dug into it a bit on Substack but I should probably share more!
Yes, more, please!
I need to pick this series back up! What are you curious to know about living in another country?
Well I'm definitely looking forward to reading more about your adventures over there!
I'm so inspired by your courage! I'd love to make a similar kind of leap, so this has given me a lot to think about. Congrats on your move, I'm looking forward to following your journey!
Thank you! Happy to chat about the journey if you’re interested.
I loved going down memory lane with you. What a bold move! Your ´desire-pulling’ exercise reminds me of one I did a few months ago where I had to come up with a list of 50 things starting with the prompt ‘Wouldn’t it be cool if…’. At first I wrote down very basic things but ended with big dreams and projects I had never truly voiced out, let alone put down on paper.
That sounds like a fun exercise too! Very similar but there’s something more expansive and whimsical about “wouldn’t it be cool if…” I’ll have to remember that one.
Brava!!! 👏🏻
Cheyenne… enjoying your story!👏🤗
Thank you! 💖
Thanks for sharing! It’s so exciting when you and your spouse are both on board with the life-upending adventure. It’s like you almost expect one of you will eventually be the voice of reason and put a damper on things. Ha. So happy it worked out for you all.
Haha right? Someone had to be the adult in the relationship because it wasn't me at the time! But thankfully it worked out.
Thanks did shading this! It’s been my dream/plan to move to Italy once my daughters graduate high school, which is now this June, so working on turning the plan into realty. I’ve thought of doing Portugal first though, because I heard it’s the easiest way to get a EU passport if you’re a digital nomad, any experience with that?
Hi Sarah, I don't know a ton about the Digital Nomad visa. I had a friend do it, but we did the passive income visa which we could work on. I think it's a 1-year non-renewable visa, but definitely check into it. Portugal is absolutely known for having one of the fastest routes to citizenship, but it doesn't come without its challenges. The immigration department is extremely behind right now in Portugal. In fact, I never even got to apply for my residency permit the entire year I lived there.
If you're interested in Portugal as an option, I'd look at the Facebook group Americans & FriendsPT. It is such a helpful group and they have real-time info on all the visa programs and the process.
Amazing advice thanks so much
I loved hearing your story. The best part to me was that your husband had no hesitation and was like let’s go for it! That’s really cool. You guys were on the same wavelength. And made it happen! Your story is inspiring to me!
It’s hard for me to explain how odd his reaction was! He is not one to ever agree that quickly. We need a plan, details, contingencies, etc. Maybe the wavelength part is right because I never in a million years would expect him to agree like that!
Your story is what I want my story to be in a year's time. I have a baby on the way and am also planning the move to Portugal. Many people call me crazy but your story is the reminder for all of us that nothing is impossible.
My friend group definitely had a betting pool about whether we’d leave or not 😆 so I totally get being called crazy. To so many people that leap is unfathomable and that’s okay! I absolutely think you can do it. Lmk if you have any questions along the way!
Thank you so much, I will definitely reach out if any questions come up. And wow, a betting pool. It's insane how people don't believe that we will do what we say haha.
“to quit my job and move to Europe.”
The way I cackled when I read this part. I love, love, love how most of the writers I've met in real life and here on Substack dream of moving to Europe 😂
I, too, am sick of life and work and so dang burnt out that I want to burn everything down. So I'm aiming to get my ass to Spain or Ireland.
Anyways, this is an awesome read, and I'll definitely do this desire-pulling exercise with my sister. I know we both want to migrate, but let's see what else is hiding under the surface 💃
As a fellow immigrant to Portugal, I absolutely identify with the sentiment that others say is so brave… yet what you felt at the time was desperation. Samesies.
Hey great post Cheyenne. I like the beach photo with the footprints deviating from the mainstream path.
I'm visiting Portugal for the first time in about a month. Flying Boston to Lisbon, then planning to go to the southern part, and stay in Sagres for a bit.
My friend Brian https://substack.com/@brianwiesner is an expat living in Barcelona. He's also written about his move abroad. Last time we talked he mentioned he wants to visit Porto soon.
Thanks for writing and sharing