I have to be honest. Most people will not act to improve their situation in life unless a disaster forces a move. I remained in my first country long after it became apparent it was turning despotic, long after I had warnings my personal life was deteriorating. I had even traveled enough to know a more enjoyable life was available elsewhere for less money and with considerably less stress.
I know it’s likely futile to ask you to move and find your personal best country.
Your vanishing human rights have been stridently ignored, by you, so you can continue life exactly as you’ve known it. The knowledge that there are places where freedom is expanding rather than contracting has not motivated you to research where they are. Being priced out of perfect beach locations has not had you remove your own blinders to find such a paradise that is affordable. Breaking out of your self imposed limits is a fearful thing. Yet you have been brave enough to read this far and face your fears. Let me tell you how to beat those fears.
Travel.
Take a vacation outside your normal pathways.
Don’t limit yourself to all inclusive resorts and tours that cushion you from reality.
What sort of clothes would you like to wear for the rest of your life. Seriously, do you enjoy wearing five layers and playing in the snow by frozen lakes and rivers? Is your preferred attire a loose shirt, shorts, and walking barefoot? Would slacks and a light jacket be comfortable while you eat at an excellent restaurant enjoying good service while admiring an inspiring view?
You can do this.
Start by investigating, merely investigating, the type of places that offer the climate you desire. If four seasons are important to you, you’ve purposely limited your options. Those choices make personal, feet on the ground investigations easier to consider. You’ve established a connection to large parts of the world, places where the potential exists that you can find a life sufficiently better than where you live. Eventually these places may make a move worthwhile. Don’t move yet.
Travel.
Enjoy the best these places have to offer. narrow your list to two continents. Visit again during the off season, narrow your list to a few cities or regions. Visit again during what locals consider the worst part of the year. I could go on. We both know you probably won’t do all of this. The reason is that once you start to investigate you will find many places that suit you better than where you now live. You’ll want to move there. Perhaps you will rent for a few months or a year first to better understand the local culture. Most people don’t. Most people, if they put in the effort to embrace the society they’ve moved into, will be thrilled they answered their soul’s cry for something better. Some will return home happy to know it’s the best place for them. Others will explore again seeking an even better fit with their psyche. Some will never settle having discovered the adventure they enjoy is everywhere, and they haven’t visited everywhere yet.
Start to investigate now while you still have maximum choice. You will be suprised at how many choices you have. Visit those choices. In five years you could be in the same place you are, or living a totally different life. For now the choice is yours. Wouldn’t you like to be living knowing you choose according to knowledge and understanding?
Wherever you live you’ve been taught by sincere people that it is the best place on earth. It may be, but it’s unlikely it’s the best place for you and your family. You’ve read this far because you want to explore what’s on offer elsewhere. Don’t make the decision to move or not move today.
Travel.
Josh Morph