Expat Women: Confessions - It's Our 2 Year Anniversary - Can You Help?

Hi Everyone, To celebrate the second anniversary today of our first Expat Women book, can you please help us 'share the love'? If yes, please send these links to anyone you think might enjoy/benefit from some real-life reassurance that "there are fun times and there are tough times, but at all times, believe in yourself and know that you are not alone". 

Somewhere, someone who's feeling overwhelmed or all alone, will someday, probably thank you for it!

Freebie: Download our free (48 page!) sample here

Buy Now (&/or Read Reviews): To buy for yourself, your expat club, or one or ten (Who's to blame a girl for trying?) of your friends, we invite you to click here: Amazon or to get it instantly, Amazon Kindle

What's in the Book?

"If you have ever wondered what it is like to live abroad, work abroad or accompany your working partner abroad, this book is for you. If you are already living the expat life but have mixed emotions about settling in, rebuilding your identity, relationship changes, successfully managing your money and career, raising children far from home or repatriating, this book is also for you.

In Expat Women: Confessions - 50 Answers to Your Real-Life Questions about Living Abroad, experienced expats Andrea Martins and Victoria Hepworth share a wealth of wisdom and positive tips to motivate you at every stage of your expat journey. They cover popular topics like leaving family back home, transitioning quickly, intercultural relationships, parenting bilingual children and work-life balance. They also address more difficult issues such as expat infidelity, divorce, alcoholism and reverse culture shock. This unique book is the perfect addition to every expat bookshelf."

Who Likes the Book?

"What a great book! For the first time, a real-life manual that will reassure every expat woman that she is not alone in her unspoken feelings and questions. I loved it!" Ruth E. Van Reken, Co-author of Third Culture Kids: Growing Up Among Worlds

"A must for anyone who is, has been or will be an expat!" Peggy Love, GMS, CERP, President, FIGT (Families in Global Transition)
"This book is a great resource for all expat women." Leslie Brant Teixeira, Director, U.S. Department of State Family Liaison Office

"A terrific book! Real-life examples of the challenges expat women face, with insightful and practical advice, this should be on the must-read list for anyone involved with expatriate administration."Andrea David, Head of Global Mobility, Bloomberg

"Expat Women: Confessions is a wonderful addition to the literature on the experiences of women during their lives abroad. Andrea and Victoria answer difficult questions with empathy, an upbeat attitude, and wisdom. This is a book that every expat woman should keep at her bedside for the moments that inevitably surface when abroad - and even after repatriation." Elizabeth Perelstein, President, School Choice International and named one of Fortune Magazine's 10 Most Powerful Women Entrepreneurs (2010)

Freebie: Download our free (48 page!) sample here

Buy Now (&/or Read Reviews): To buy for yourself, your expat club, or one or ten (Who's to blame a girl for trying?) of your friends, we invite you to click here: Amazon or to get it instantly, Amazon Kindle

Thank you so much for your valued support - and I wish you a fantastic week!

Andrea Martins

Expat Women: Confessions - What Do Men Think?

Hi Everyone, Two weeks ago we gave a big shout-out to the (forty or so) fantastic women who had written blog posts about our new book Expat Women: Confessions - 50 Answers to Your Real-Life Questions about Living Abroad. Today, we want to thank the men. There may only be four (not forty), but that just makes these four men extra special. Here are excerpts from their blog posts...

5 Lessons Expat Women Confessions Will Teach You About Life Abroad by John Falchetto

"...This isn’t a book about shortcuts or a simple motivational e-book telling you to just think positive thoughts. The Expat Women Confessions deals with real issues (from teen suicide to marriage breakdown) and gives real advice. I am not a woman but most advice the book gives can easily be used by men. This is my take on these powerful questions as an expat, a coach and a man...

1. Why Should I Move?

I left Canada in 1996, right after college, my motivation was simple, endless possibilities. Although I wasn’t a trailing spouse, I looked at the move in the same way an artist approaches a blank canvas. I have always been a big believer in change, but not mindless and unfocused change. Andrea [and Victoria] understand[s] the decision isn’t easy and her case-study of someone pondering whether or not to leave an aging mother back home is meaningful. For most future expatriates, an assignment abroad has far reaching implications which shouldn’t be taken lightly.

2. Will Culture Shock Happen to Me?

I still remember falling out of my bed in June ’97 during my first night in Amman, Jordan. The morning prayer was calling from the minarets across the city and this set the tone for the next few years. There were often uncomfortable moments, from which I learned a lot and often laugh about it later. From drinking tea with tribal elders to working through the red tape of setting up a company in Dubai, the challenges were always there and boiled down to two important factors, clearly explained by Andrea [and Victoria]. Personality and attitude: A positive attitude will go a long way. Develop an expat mindset. Managing expectations: I saw many expats look at everything through the prism of their home-country. Yes this isn’t home anymore, things are different.

3. Lack of Respect at Work

The book’s case study looks at gender discrimination in the workplace. I believe as expats there is often a lack of understanding about local culture and social norms. Beyond culture shocks, [my wife] Ameena wrote a great piece about learning how to play in a boy’s sandpit. Although she was born and raised there, it wasn’t always fun. I also think women have a hard job in the corporate world anywhere in the world. My friend and favorite CEO, Gini Dietrich, recently discussed women and achieving workplace equality.

4. Starting a Business Abroad

Undoubtedly I have a bias for expat entrepreneurs, I started my first expat business in 2003 in Dubai and 8 years later I am helping others become successful abroad. [...] From looking into your personality, your lifestyle and basic business questions, [the book] provides the best framework of questions for setting up a business abroad. If you are thinking of becoming an entrepreneur, the book is worth its price for this chapter [Starting a Business] alone. Again your gender doesn’t matter here.

5. Reverse Culture Shock

When I go back to Montreal I feel like a stranger. Although I know the city inside out, and speak both official languages, living abroad changes your outlook on life. Expats often focus on the change while abroad but it’s important not to forget that this change will stay with you when you head home. Once again Andrea [and Victoria] pinpoint[s] this weird feeling to dashed expectations. Going home often brings me to ask myself, is this home?"

John Falchetto is an expat (entrepreneur and) life coach who has lived in Canada, Egypt, Dubai and now lives in France. You can read more about John on his blog Expat Life Coach. Thanks John! 

***

Things an Expat Man Should Hear by Norman Viss

"Men are from Mars, women are from Venus. Never more so than when living abroad. During the pre-publication publicity for this book someone tweeted with the question whether husbands would purchase this book. I immediately replied that I believed they should. Which got me a free copy from Andrea. Thanks, Andrea!

[When] I sat down and read it, I did my best to put my ‘husband is listening’ ears on. ‘What are our women saying that we men should listen to?’ [and} here is what I heard:

(1) She wants to be reassured that the medical care here is good, and that there is enough emotional support during the treatment.

(2) I am dressing and acting differently now that we are settled in. In fact, she feels like I don’t love and respect her like I did before.

(3) Because she is no longer earning an income, she feels financially dependant on me. That makes her uncomfortable.

(4) We have repatriated to our passport country. I thought it would be easy for her to adjust. But it is not. She feels alone and is having trouble making friends.

(5) She is very concerned about who will care for her aging parents.

(6) Now that the situation here is completely different than what we expected, she needs a safe place to express her frustrations.

(7) I travel a lot for my work. That means she is the primary caregiver for the children. She wonders if she is doing a good job.

(8) My wife hears stories from other expats about emotional and physical infidelity, by both men and women. She sometimes worries about us, and desires that we be proactive in preventing relationship betrayal.

(9) Our term abroad is almost over. She senses that I would like to stay abroad, even though we agreed to just one term. She doesn’t know what my thoughts are about the future.

How did I do? If I didn’t hear you well, it’s not the fault of this book, which gives us men a wonderful window into the concerns of our wives. The advice given by Andrea and Victoria is clear, well balanced, comprehensive and sometimes quite direct and provocative, without any claim to be a substitute for professional help.

It’s a book we men need to listen to. No, let me put it another way. We need to listen to our wives, and this book can help give us ears."

Norman Viss spent 10 years as an expat in Nigeria, West Africa, before moving to the Netherlands, 21 years ago. You can read more about Norman on his blog Isolated Internationals. Thanks Norman! 

***

Reading 'Expat Women: Confessions' and Making Some of My Own by Russell Ward

"I have a confession to make. In fact, I have several. I didn't realise that large numbers of expat women struggle when assigned overseas. I didn't realise expat women made confessions about these struggles. And I didn't realise they made them at Expat Women, an online resource for helping expatriate women living overseas."

"...As I started to make my way through the book, I felt a sense of deja vu as I learned about the daily struggles suffered by everyday women in adjusting to a home away from home. From concerns about transitioning into a foreign environment to struggles with unhealthy work-life balances, from suffering regular bouts of homesickness and wanting to go home to experiencing visa difficulties, Expat Women: Confessions covers it all. The range and depth of issues raised, and advice given in return, is staggering yet always approached in a sensitive and honest way.


"...The strength of Expat Women: Confessions is not just the provision of sensible answers and practical advice for any international mover, past or present, but for bringing to light the many issues, frustrations and questions that arise when embarking on a life lived abroad..."

"...If you're an expat-to-be or a current expat, you really should be reading this book. It is a significant support tool for your journey ahead."

Russell Ward is a British expat who has lived in Canada (Vancouver and Ottawa), and now lives in Australia (Sydney - his wife's home city). You can read more about Russell on his blog, In Search Of A Life Less Ordinary. Thanks Russell!

***

Expat Women: Confessions - 50 Answers to Your Real-Life Questions about Living Abroad by Eric Anders

"I met Andrea in 2010 when I asked if I could republish a timely article she wrote for the August edition of the Worldwide ERC's issue of MOBILITY Magazine entitled 10 Ways to Boost Your (Relocation) Brand Online."

"...Expat Women: Confessions is an easy read. It's quite evident both ladies have walked the talk! They're able to express their ideas in a clear, concise, meaningful manner... Although the primary focus of 50 Answers to Your Real-Life Questions about Living Abroad is geared toward women, most of the 'answers' and advice really applies to anyone living the expat life or relocating anywhere. That includes men, gay and straight trailing partners; school kids, young adults, and fun-loving seniors!"

"...It's a pleasant distraction to enjoy over a morning cup of coffee or après-dinner glass of wine. It's like having a conversation with a very close friend – female or male – about personal concerns and adjustment problems you never knew they had."

[And I swear I did not ask Eric to write this next promo part in his blog's post... but if you are reading this blog and you work in corporate HR or for a relocation company, by all means, read on!]

"Expat Women is now offering their loyal readers, members, corporate clients, mobility service companies and relocating employees the opportunity to purchase bulk orders of their motivational book that features a customized front-cover logo. Those making volume purchases can include a personalized messages or their own unique promotions inside. Be [one of] the first to take advantage of this helpful new offer! Just be sure to tell 'em that a guy recommended their book."

Eric Anders is a relocation industry professional who created his blog RELO Roundtable as an online gathering place for consumers and the moving professionals that help them. Thanks Eric!

***

If you like freebies and you have not already downloaded a free sample from our book, you are invited to please do so here.

Thanks for your support Everyone - and I wish you a sensational weekend! Andrea

Thank You For Your Blog Posts & Amazon Reviews!

Hi Everyone, It has been four months now since we launched our first book (my how time flies!) Expat Women: Confessions - 50 Answers to Your Real-Life Questions about Living Abroad.

To celebrate this milestone, we want to give a shout-out to the fantastic women who have kindly written blog posts about our book (adding their own valuable insights as well), and/or left reviews on other sites. A huge thank you to all of you!

PS. To download a free sample from our book, please just click here.

Thank You to These Bloggers:

I Was an Expat Wife
by Maria @IWasAnExpatWife
Even though Maria's expat days are over for now, she still has lots to say about expat life!
Read the review on her blog here.

Where in the World Am I
by Stephanie @StephanieSD
Notes from the streets of Hyderabad, India.
Her blog review is here.

United We Stand
by Tatiana von Tauber @TatianaBoudoir
Czech American expat living in Germany. Blog centers around writing, the arts, philosophy of love and sex, motherhood and the influences living abroad has brought to my work as a writer, photographer and artist.
Her blog review is here.
Plus, her "Expat Women: Confessions - I Paint In The Nude" guest post on the expat+ harem site is here.

Career By Choice

by Megan Fitzgerald @ExpatCoachMegan

Megan's excellent and insightful blog shares success tips to expats interested in being highly visible, sought-after and successful experts and leaders abroad. 

Her blog review is here.

The Female Expat Project
by Joelle
The Female Expat Project is a collection of writing, art, and audio that archives and reflects the lives of female expatriates (define expat) living throughout the world. The site depends on submissions by women who are or have been female expats and feel a connection to the content of the site.
Her blog review is here.

Finding My Way
by Jeanne @collageoflife
I am a woman living life with four kids, a sweet husband and devoted springer spaniel. We hail from the USA, became Australian citizens along the way, called New Zealand home and now live in Surrey, England. My kids are here, there and everywhere and I spend most of my time trying to figure out where.
Her blog review is here.

Writing…Just Because
by Anne @annethewriter
After 20 years in PR I decided it was time to...just write. Now, I am a freelance writer and aspiring author. In this Blog I post thoughts and unfettered contemplation on issues that I come across every day and the highs and lows of being a freelancer. I love to read (what writer doesn't?) so, once a month I also do a book review focusing on expat/ adventure travel, social media or small business resources.
Her blog review is here.

Authentic Journeys
by Jennifer Kumar
Cross-Cultural and Expat Coaching Services. Helping you live the best life... anywhere you are in the world!
Her blog review is here.

Bell'Avventura
by Scintilla
The ups and downs of tripping through life between Positano on the Amalfi Coast and Luxembourg (not in Belgium!).
Her blog review is here.

Abroad in Belgium
by Kimberley @kimberleylovato
Monthly (maybe more often) musings from a broad living abroad in Belgium.
Her blog review is here.

Delhi Bound
by Naomi @gemgem76
A family of five moves from the midwest to Delhi.
Read the review on her blog here.

Empty Nest Expat
by Karen @EmptyNestExpat
I'm a soon-to-be American expatriate bursting with enthusiasm to get out there.
Her blog review is here.

Expat Forever
by Véronique Martin-Place
An expat blog in French.
Réflexions et témoignages sur l'expatriation au quotidien.
Her blog review is here.

Expat Mum
by Toni @ToniHargis
Mutterings from a Brit wife, mother and sometime writer, living in a strange land, ie. the US of A.
Her blog review is here.

Firenze Moms 4 Moms Network
by Firenze Mom
English-Speaking Expat Group for Moms in Tuscany Italy
Her blog review is here.

The German Way Expat Blog
by HF @hflippo
Discussing expat life in German-speaking Europe
Their blog review is here.

[Insert suitably snappy title here...]
by Kath @kathmeista
A blog about all things literary with a bit of expatriate life thrown in for fun!
Her blog review is here.

Kayni's Corner Café
by Kayni @kayni100
A blog on travel and photography
Her blog review is here.

What Kate Did
by Kate
An expat Brit, I've lived in Brisbane, Brussels and am currently residing with my Aussie husband and 2 daughters amidst the heat and dust of Bahrain. For our next move, I'm hoping for a location that doesn't begin with "B".
Her blog review is here.

A Quick Succession of Busy Nothings
by Kris
The blog of a trailing spouse, uprooted from American suburbia and now trying to find her niche in rural England.
Her blog review is here.

Lao Ren Cha
by Jenna
A travel blog focusing on female expat life in Taiwan - taking trips, dating and marriage, women's issues in Taiwan and more
Her blog review is here.

Lovely in Lux
by Libby
Learning to love life in Luxembourg - and anywhere - with positive thinking!
Her blog review is here.

Emm in London
by Missus Emm @missus_emm
The adventure of an eternal tourist living in London
Her blog review is here.

X-pat Files From Overseas
by Pat @pattymackz
Inspiring courage, breaking barriers, creating connections
Her blog review is here.

Clog Blog
by Pomo Mama
Back to rain-sodden central Scotland.
Her blog review is here.

Czech Off the Beaten Path
by Sher
Adventures living in the Czech Republic and finding tourist sites off the beaten path.
Her blog review is here.

The Little Travelers
by Angelina @littletravelers
The Little Travelers - travel diaries and musing on raising global children.
Her blog review is here.

Tales from Windmill Fields
by Rosalind @windmilltales
A blog, relating my experiences here in Holland, a place to share my everyday thoughts, trials and tribulations. Cooking, baking and crafts, product reviews and websites.
Her blog review is here.

Irish Nomad in Malaysia
by Johanna C @Osloscribe
Irish serial-expat returning to South East Asia after almost six years in Norway. The Irish Nomad has cast aside her skiis, snow boots and purple wellies, to start over yet again, armed with sun screen, mosquito spray, three kids, her beloved Mac and, more often than not, a sense of humour.
Her blog review is here.

An American in Malta
by Ilene
Website/blog describing what it's like to move abroad to Malta. Includes information on residency, banking, health insurance, informing family and friends, bringing pets to Malta – everything of concern to an expatriate in Malta.
Her blog review is here.

Blog in France
by Stephanie @llamamum
Life, love and llamas in Limousin
Her blog review is here.

Durian Days
by Flexi Girl
Durian stinks. It really, really reeks. In some cities, it’s even banned from mass transit and taxis. Yet there are a lot of people who love it, seek it out, and enjoy every bit of it. Durian is like expat life. We are
spouses. We are moms. We are friends. We’ve followed our husbands
literally around the globe, and redefined what we need to be happy numerous times, in numerous countries. It’s been a journey. Join us for some of it.
Her blog review is here.

Hop on the Gravy Train
by Ann K
My better half and I moved in August 2009 from Washington, DC to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Away from my life as a lawyer back home, I'm an international lady of leisure for now and using my appetite to eat, cook, and laugh my way through Southeast Asia.
Her blog review is here.

Little Colombia Observationist
by Stephanie @cafedereves
American girl travels to Colombia to find out if the only risk really is wanting to stay…
Her blog review is here.

Mother Jungle
by Susan L @MotherJungle
Chopping coconuts,peeling bananas flow right along side raising two children in Costa Rica, one with Down Syndrome and making my way as a single mom who tries to write between loads of laundry.
Her blog review is here.

No Ordinary Homestead
by Tiffany @txblond
A Texan getting used to life in Germany, living in an 1830's farmhouse, learning to be a mom and trying to become more self-sufficient.
Her blog review is here.

Practically Perfect
by Jenny
Thoughts and experiences of a Midwestern Girl who's moving around the map!
Her blog review is here.

The American Resident
by Michelle Garrett @Michelloui
Parenting. Homemaking. Living. Overseas!
Her blog review is here.

Vegemite Vix
by Vegemite Vix @vegemitevix
Vegemite Vix blogs on her adventures moving three kids, dog, cat and all their earthly possessions from Auckland New Zealand to a little town in North Hampshire UK. Use Before Leaving offers handy hints for expats, on raising teenagers, on blended families and step parenting, and also on travel, life and life's journeys.
Her blog review is here.

Wordgeyser
by Jane @wordgeyser
Observations and absurdities of international life with a family of global nomads and world wide friends. Currently living in The Netherlands.
Her blog review is here.

LindyLouMac's Book Reviews
by Linda @LindyLouMac
Linda and her husband have been living in and loving Italy as 'empty nesters' since March 2004. This blog indulges her love of good books.
Her blog review is here.

TexPatFaith
by Shirley Ralston
Expatriate adventures through the eyes of faith.
Her blog review is here.

This Australian Life
by Rosangela Silva
A Brazilian living Down Under.
Her blog review is here.
(Editor: Yes, this is a late inclusion, added after this original post was written. But still worthy!)

And thanks also to the following women who posted reviews on an Amazon site and/or on another website:

American Expat; Angelina Hart; Caitlin; Cat Bauer; E. Vennekens-Kelly; Frogger; Jacqueline van Gent; Jeanette Teh; Jennifer Kumar; Jenny; Jo Parfitt; Judy Rickatson; Katrina; Kimberley Lovato; Kristy; Loulou; Lovely in Lux; Maria Foley; Michelle Fabio; Miss Footloose; Missus Emm; Shelley Antscherl; Regula Sindemann; S J Dagg; Sandie Mirfield; Stephanie; Susan Lutz; Tamara Furey; Tina Tinde; TLP; Vegemite Vix; Véronique Martin-Place.

Next week, we will thank the men (honest).

Have a fabulous weekend, Everyone! Andrea

Expat Women: Confessions - Launch Party Photos

Hi Everyone, Firstly thank you very, very much to those of you who have supported our newly-launched book: Expat Women: Confessions - 50 Answers to Your Real-Life Questions about Living Abroad!

A few of you have asked if we had a launch party for our book. The answer is yes. Sort of...

Okay, here's the confession (pardon the pun)... I live in Malaysia and my co-author Victoria Hepworth lives thousands of miles away in Dubai, so a joint launch on a limited budget was a little tricky.

So instead, I hijacked the first night of my dear friend Nan Singh's girls' getaway weekend (6-8 May) to a beach resort here in Malaysia, asked my friends to dress in black, happily gave them all a free copy of the hot-off-the-press book, in a pretty pink bag with Teuscher chocolates, and took some photos.

And so with this, yes, we had a small launch - and here are our photos! (Victoria was with us in spirit, as was Gisella Apicella.) Andrea x

The Gorgeous Expat Women at our "Launch Party"

Elle and Hana

Front Row: Left to Right:
Hana Moafi Abdel-Razek (Egyptian); Andrea Martins (Australian);
Duyen Nguyen (Vietnamese); and Elle Bowe (Singaporean).
Back Row: Left to Right:
Bhaven Singh (Indian); Nan Singh - the Birthday Girl (Canadian);
Francesca Gasparrini (Italian); Britta Kirkegaad Lustig (Danish);
Deborah Willsher (British); Renee Beasley (Australian);
Shontelle Allwood (Canadian); and Maaike Kolthek (Dutch).

Francesca modeling the book with the groovy pink bag

Deborah - completely engrossed ;-)

Haven't entered our US$5,000 book launch competition yet? 

Be quick... there's only 9 days left in our competition... Details here.

Thanks for your generous support and efforts to spread-the-word!

Andrea

Expat Women Bloggers & Expat Women Book - Tatiana von Tauber's Review & Confession

Hi Everyone, We were so impressed this week with a heartfelt blog post by expat blogger Tatiana von Tauber, which mixes a review of our new book, Expat Women: Confessions - 50 Answers to Your Real-Life Questions about Living Abroad, with a real honesty about Tatiana's personal experiences, that we asked Tatiana if we could republish it on our blog, and she kindly agreed, so here it is!

Expat Blogger: Tatiana von Tauber

Blog: United We Stand: Dreams of a Passionate Expat

Blog Description: It's about the journey of an American expat and artist in Germany, who has come to the conclusion that no country deserves her total loyalty and freedom is much more complicated than is conventionally taught.

Blog post: Everyone Loves a Little Confession and a Sports Car

Date: May 7, 2011

I was very honored to have ExpatWomen.com approach me to review their new book Expat Women: Confessions.  Little did I realize that reading it would provide food for thought even though I considered myself a seasoned expat. Seems I may need a few dashes of salt to round out the seasoned aspect!

My transition back to Germany hasn’t been easy. It’s only been three months or so since I’ve been here and it feels like a year has passed with little but uggs following me and I’m not talking the shoes. While reading Expat Women: Confessions I was (embarrassingly) surprised at how much I empathized with the many questions and answers presented. In fact, I think the book actually helped me see that some of what I’m going through is quite normal and it helped to read other expats have similar feelings especially with reintegration. One would think everything would be just fine now that I’m finally back but truth is I’m not. It’s not the same.

I’m in a completely new city which creates new dynamics. My family structure, once in rhythm, is now majorly off and it affects everything negatively. I went from feeling like a superwoman just 6 months ago to feeling like a crazy maniac. I didn’t expect this much confusion. Worse, I miss America? What is that all about? Who is this woman?! According to Expat Women: Confessions I’m not feeling anything different than other women who have had it all only to give it up for new opportunity. It’s really comforting to know my feelings are common.

In the expat world, I’m not exactly the social bug. As an artist and writer I’m bound to a lot of alone time. I have my few expat friends and we all began about the same time. We consider ourselves relatively seasoned, though some have had their dash of salt already. Often when a newbie approaches us with the “I’m moving abroad” enthusiasm we kinda – though respectfully – roll our eyes. “Oh honey, living overseas is sooooo not the fairy tale you think” we say to ourselves. Of course, we were once in those shoes so we understand the excitement and the naivety. What Expat Women: Confessions does is it presents the reality with viable solutions and heart-felt realism without killing the fantasy and that’s worth gold.

Expat Women: Confessions is a must have for all female expats, novice, in between or seasoned because no matter what we sometimes forget being an expat makes us different than the rest and our problems just aren’t understood by the “norm”. Full of antidotes and “chicken soup” advice I feel better about my blues already. Yes readjustment is tough. Yes my 5 y/o is killing my appreciation for motherhood because she’s not adjusting or understanding why we’re here and not “home”. Yes we miss our house, my large kitchen and our family is currently undergoing an enormous rift. Yes I’ve hit episodes of depression, gained over 10 lbs (!!!) since the move but more than that yes, I DO want to be here damn it so I’m going to take some of the advice offered in the book and simply get over it and find solutions. It’s that or crawl into a hole.

Living abroad is the best adventure I’ve ever been on and if I wanted to discuss the blandness of life I’d have stayed put in suburbia. I thank this book for reminding me about that and about the natural process of grieving what once was. While suburbia may be a calmer life that has moderate enjoyment, it’s otherwise boring. Plus, my family back home just doesn’t get me anymore, another common expat detail we often forget to mention. Once positive relationships have soured and in many ways I feel other expat women are more my family than my own. Perhaps I needed a little slap into reality to refocus and discover again WHY I’m an expat. Adventure isn’t easy and that’s why most people only dream of doing what few of us are actually living.

Thanks Andrea Martins and Victoria Hepworth for putting Expat Women: Confessions together (and for ExpatWomen.com!). I didn’t think I needed the advice. I was just reading for a review but now I feel as though I’ve had a wonderful girlfriend therapy session. The allergy meds are working, the sun is out AND I’ve decided to pursue an adaptation of The Art Cure here in Wiesbaden (more on that later).

To other expats struggling to adjust, since it takes time, use it wisely: grab a cup of coffee at your local cafe and sit down with a copy of Expat Women: Confessions. It’s the best start to a fresh and positive perspective. It’s all about sticking your head out your comfort zone and seeing what’s out there.

Tatiana

***Important: If you are a female expat blogger who would also like a review e-copy of our book (so if you like it, you can write about it on your blog), please get in touch here (and remember to tell us your blog's URL). Thanks so much! Andrea***

Only 3 Days until We Launch Our Expat Women Book and US$5,000 Competition

Hi Everyone, At last, we can announce a definite date for the official launch of our very first Expat Women book... it will be this Thursday, 5 May... only 3 days away!

To celebrate, we are also announcing a US$5,000 book launch competition on 5 May as well. Prizes include: Life Coaching; Career Coaching; a Successful Blogging Consultation; Personal Branding Coaching; Writing Coaching; Passport Career access; an Amazon Kindle; and an Amazon gift voucher!

Prizes are kindly being donated by our friends: Anne Egros at  Zest and Zen International Coaching; Nicola McCall at Live Life Now Coaching; Annabel Candy at Successful Blogging; Susan Musich at Passport Career; Megan Fitzgerald at Career by Choice; Lois Freeke; Rebecca Wells at Clear Horizon Coaching; Jo Parfitt at Summertime Publishing; and by us, Expat Women.

Please mark your calendars to check out www.expatwomen.com this Thursday, May 5 (12am New York time onwards, for simplicity) to download a free sample of our book, to find out more details about our fantastic book launch competition, and to please support us by buying our very first motivational book for expatriate women (and their families)!

Some Advance Praise of Expat Women: Confessions - 50 Answers to Your Real-Life Questions about Living Abroad...

"What a great book! For the first time, a real-life manual that will reassure every expat woman that she is not alone in her unspoken feelings and questions. I loved it!"
Ruth E. Van Reken, Co-author of Third Culture Kids: Growing Up Among Worlds

"A terrific book! Real-life examples of the challenges expat women face, with insightful and practical advice, this should be on the must-read list for anyone involved with expatriate administration."
Andrea David, Head of Global Mobility, Bloomberg LP

Thanks in advance for your support!

Warmest wishes for your week, Andrea. @andreaexpat

Note: If you are reading this blog post online and are not yet an Expat Women member, please sign up to receive news of our book launch to your inbox, plus all of our monthly motivational newsletters as well. Thank you!