18. Finding a Sense of Belonging as a Serial Expat - with Navine Eldesouki - Camilla Quintana

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Let’s talk about “belonging”! What’s your gut reaction to hearing that term? Is it something you feel? Something you’ve lost? Something you crave?

Belonging is a core need of any human being – in ancient times it secured our survival and safety! But when we move abroad – and especially when we do so several times in a row – belonging can become a tricky thing.

I’ve had a few discussions about this topic in the last week and it was interesting to hear what belonging meant to different people:

Belonging is…

being part of a community
feeling part of the host culture
creating a beautiful home for yourself and your family
a state of mind
having “constants” in your life, no matter where it takes you (such as a portable business, an activity, a hobby, your family)
our connection to Mother Earth

What would you add to the list?

A Serial Expat Wife Perspective

Today’s guest is Navine Eldesouki, an ATCK and serial expat who – together with her husband and 4 children – has lived in 7 countries and 14 houses.

Born and raised to Egyptian parents in Australia, she’s currently based in Dubai. Navine is the Founder of Coffee with an Expat, a support and social networking platform where expat women can build connections, engage in meaningful discussion, attend meet-ups, events and workshops.

In this episode you’ll find out

Navine’s favorite habits and practices that will help you to feel like you belong
the mindsets and thoughts that make “belonging” abroad difficult
ways to help your children to adjust abroad
how to contribute to an environment of mutual support among expats
and so much more

Challenge

We’ve also come up with a little challenge that can shift your mindset and help you see more of the good things about your host country – thus making you accept and value certain things more.

Find 5 things that are great about your current host country
Explain why these things are so valuable and beneficial to your (or your family’s) wellbeing and progress!

Join the challenge over at Instagram @coach.camillaquintana !