
Beyond An Ordinary Life
Welcome to Beyond An Ordinary Life! I'm Christina Gerdes, your German host and a seasoned expat who has lived in countries such as the USA, Mexico, Malaysia, and Denmark for over five years. Through my travels, I've become more culturally aware, developed language skills, made international friends, and explored some of the most stunning places on earth.Are you someone who dreams of going abroad and experiencing new cultures? Then this podcast is for you! I aim to help you overcome the common barriers to moving abroad, with informative discussions and tips from my guests who are also experienced expats. From why you should go abroad, to the various options you have, potential challenges you may face, and how to overcome them - I've got you covered.Whether you're planning to move abroad, or just curious about the expat life, this podcast offers valuable insights and practical advice that can help you take the leap. Don't let fear hold you back any longer - it's time to explore the world and all that it has to offer. Follow me on Instagram and TikTok @chrigerdes, and start living Beyond An Ordinary Life!
Beyond An Ordinary Life
In the Same Boat: Growing through the Adventures & Hardships of Living Abroad
Join us on this captivating episode as we explore Marina's extraordinary journey of self-discovery. From overcoming shyness to embracing the unknown, Marina's experiences living and working abroad will inspire you. Discover her thrilling adventures on a cruise ship, where every day meant waking up in a different country. Witness Marina's transformation from a shy individual to a confident explorer, and learn valuable lessons about authenticity and acceptance. Follow Marina as she navigates the challenges of returning home and makes the bold decision to follow her dreams. Hear how her mindset evolved through her encounters with different cultures, and be inspired by her resilience and unwavering pursuit of a fulfilling life. Don't miss this episode of Beyond an Ordinary Life where Marina's story reminds us of the power of stepping out of our comfort zones and embracing the uncertainties of life. Tune in now to embark on a remarkable journey filled with personal growth, cultural insights, and the triumph of the human spirit.
Listen to this episode if you want to learn:
- The transformative power of stepping out of your comfort zone: Discover how Marina's experiences working on a cruise ship pushed her to overcome shyness and embrace new opportunities for personal growth.
- The value of authenticity and self-acceptance: Hear Marina's advice on staying true to yourself, not changing for others, and finding acceptance as a catalyst for personal and professional development.
- The challenges and rewards of living and working abroad: Gain insights into Marina's adventures abroad, including the exhilarating experiences of waking up in different countries and the lessons she learned from diverse cultures.
- The impact of mindset and perspective on life: Explore how Marina's mindset evolved through her travels, teaching her to seize the moment, find joy in the simplest things, and navigate challenging times with resilience.
- The importance of following your dreams and creating your own path: Be inspired by Marina's journey as she faces societal expectations and makes the courageous decision to pursue her dreams, even when it means venturing into the unknown.
These are my favorite quotes of the episode:
14:28: "You don’t recognize it sometimes, but you’re changing a lot, and you don’t recognize these steps that you’re improving, and suddenly you’re saying “oh let's do a second contract".”
16:38: "I guess the best advice is just be yourself. Don’t change yourself for anybody."
28:09: ”Damn, Marina, what are you doing now? What are you doing with your life?”
29:50: “Marina, are you doing jobs that are paying your bills or follow your dream?"
37:07 So in Spain, a lot of people are so poor. But poor of money. But in their heart, they are super rich.”
For questions of inspiration, connect with Marina on IG: @ontheotherseaside
Do you have any questions, tips for improvement, or you're seeking more inspiration for moving abroad? Then follow me on: IG & TikTok: @chrigerdes and YouTube: Beyond-an-ordinary-life
If you like this podcast, then please hit the subscribe button and give me a rating or review. This helps more than you know to get this podcast out to like-minded people who want to learn how to move abroad, too! I appreciate your help a lot!