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Alyssa O Writes

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life lessons

Life Abroad Tips, mindfulness, The Expat Files
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January 17, 2016

When Lonely Is Beautiful: The Case For Solitude

How to make the most of being alone and enjoy solitude mindfully.

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Life Abroad Tips, The Expat Files
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September 22, 2015

Lessons Learned: The Top 3 Ways Living Abroad Has Changed Me (For the Better!)

How living abroad can make you a stronger person.

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  • 'I beleive in a former life I was coffee.' ~Lorelai Gilmore Cozied up in my flat, watching storm Babet rage and thinking about how autumn is truly my favorite season. 🍂🍁🎃 The colors! The chill in the air! The cozy sweaters! Summer could never. What are you up to this Friday? ° ° ° #cozytime #expatlife #womenabroad #AmericanExpat #americansintheuk #lifeinedinburgh
  • Gurl, you are a Botticelli, and don't let anyone ever tell you different. Are Italian men really the most romantic? Are acts of service the way to a German's heart? I recently had a great conversation about dating with @simone_paget where we talk about it *all*, including what it's like to be a decorated veteran of dating. If you aren't following her work, you need to check her out! Truly some of the smartest stuff out there when it comes to love, career, relationships, and living your best life as a fabulous auntie. Have you ever dated or found love in a foreign country? How did it work out? Lmk in the comments. Remember, Auntie Francine just wants you to be happy. 💜 ° ° ° #expathumor #lifeabroad #italianamerican #ladolcevida #datingabroad #wickedboston
  • This is your sign to take a pause, breathe & appreciate the here and now. Last week, I was racing through Princes Street Gardens, on my way to meet someone, and I got annoyed with a group of tourists blocking my way by stopping for a photo around this iconic fountain. But then I told myself to pause for a moment. I live here. There are people who dream there whole lives of visiting Edinburgh maybe just for a day. I get to spend most of my days here. I appreciate the moment and I appreciate my life wasn't always like this. I appreciate living somewhere I am safe and healthy. I recognize not everyone has what I have. What are you feeling gratitude for right now? ° ° ° #expatlife #lifeabroad #grattitude #littlethings #womenwhoexplore #explorescotland #Edinburgh #fountains
  • Did you know this, internet? ° ° ° #lifeinscotland #lifeintheuk #americansineurope #americansintheuk #lifeabroad #cultureshock #culturaldifferences #expatproblems #expathumor
  • Happy World Mental Health Day! Sometimes I'm afraid to speak up and share that I have struggled with my mental health for most of my life. Depression & anxiety, with a special sauce of low self worth. Now that's a spicy meatball! Managing my MH has in many ways has been my true life's work, even more than teaching, travelling, writing, creating, friendships etc. Because I know none of the good things I have in my life come without managing the beast on my back. 'BUT ALYSSA, YOU DON'T LOOK DEPRRSSED' Well, that's the reason I'm speaking up now. For years I've felt like I don't get to claim my mental health struggles because so many people have it worse than me. I'm incredibly privileged that I can participate fully in life because I have vaguely consistent access to things like therapy and self care, even when living overseas. I have the luxury of being in a position to put my mental health first, most of the time. And yet, I'm still scared that speaking openly about my struggles puts me at a disadvantage professionally and personally. I cannot be the only person that feels this way. So here's my 2 cents: ♡There's no one way for depression to look. ♡We shouldn't have to wait until we hit rock bottom and are unable to get out of bed or function to be worthy of help. ♡We shouldn't have to face people doubting us, not believing us or treating us like we're putting it on for attention or to get out of participating in life. ♡Just because you are capable of joy and connection doesn't mean your depression isn't real. ♡Depression isn't laziness, a moral failing or a character flaw. It's an illness. Its not your fault you feel this way and you are not alone. ♡MH support should be built into society. ♡You are not alone and you deserve to be happy. I post all of this along with a photo of myself as a child because years ago I had a therapist who used to tell me when I was hard on myself that I should speak to myself with the kindness I'd speak to a child. It took many, many years to finally beleive I deserved to be gentle with myself. But now I know that I do, you do, we all do. ♡ Alyssa #worldmentalhealthday2023 #womenabroad
  • 'It's no use going back to yesterday, because I was a different person then.' -Alice in Wonderland ° ° ° #scotlandisnow #scottishmuseums #scotlandtravel #scottishphotographer #scottishart #lifeabroad #lifeinscotland #expatwoman #womenabroad

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