My Expat Life, No Family, Lonely Birthdays: A Moment of Self-Reflection

It is 2017! Another New Year! This year is a milestone as I will be 30 in a few days. I am still young, but not Generation Z young. In another decade, I will not be young anymore by society’s standards.

Society’s standards often defines youth by your age. Although, what if you are a 40 year old that looks 15 years younger and feel 10 years younger? Are you still young? I would say so!

Many people say that I look between 20 and 23 years old. I always appreciate that compliment. They are a few people who will flatter you, but I believe that most people are just giving you their observation.

In a few days, my 20s will be behind me. I actually shared a moment of self-reflection about my 20s here.

Many people have a gift that I lack on a daily basis. Family! I did not come from a loving, nurturing family. My father abused me multiple times. My mother always made her love interests more of a priority than myself. My brother is the polar opposite of me.

Most of my grandparents, aunts, uncles, and other family members were very dysfunctional. I did not ever felt like anyone cared about me except my grandfather and great grandmother. Unfortunately, they both died when I was very young.

So, I spent most of my life figuring things out. I did not have much of a compass. Although, I did have work ethic, which got me quite far in life. It is probably one of the reasons (if not, the main reason) why I have attained so much success today.

Success is great, but it is not everything. It does not guarantee happiness. Honestly, it has only provided me moments of ecstasy. Sometimes, such a moment can last 5 minutes. Other times, such a moment can last 24 hours.

I do not want to sound ungrateful. I do appreciate having an international bestselling book, hosting a syndicated radio show, being the business editor of an award-winning magazine, and running my business all online.

Many people wish that they could have my life. A lot of people are fascinated with my travels.

I have lived in several wonderful cities abroad, including

Queretaro

Cuernavaca

San Miguel De Allende

Zaragoza 

East Sussex

An online business gives me the freedom to live such a life. Although, the expat life has its pros and cons like anything else. I would be happy to highlight all of the pros and cons as an expat, but the specific topic deserves its own blog post.

As an expat, I will cover one example that I face in my life. That example is my birthday. I have never really had my own birthday party. I often wondered what it would be like to be the center of attention for one full day. Have you been privileged to be the center of attention for one full day? If so, what was it like for you?

I may be popular in some industry circles or a bit more known in some cities, but I never want an entourage that cares more about my money than me. 

You cannot choose your family, but you can choose your friends. I have made some great friendships abroad. Although, I do not expect them to throw me a birthday party.  

No family. No birthday parties. I guess you cannot have it all. However, I do appreciate living in a new country every few months. Many of those countries offer a lower cost of living and higher quality of life.  

So, my life is not necessarily ideal, but it is still pretty nice!