In 2011, we moved from Auckland to Melbourne for Sam to start his Phd in Bio Medical Science (he’s about to finish!). We didn’t know anyone in Melbourne when we first moved, and ended up staying in a random Airbnb room for a few weeks before finally securing an apartment to lease. Fast forward 3 years, and we’ve made some of our dearest friends here. We have learnt so much from living overseas. We’ve undoubtedly grown closer as a couple, a result of the many challenges we’ve faced together that come from living overseas. Over the past 3 years we’ve lived in Australia, I’ve learned there are specific things that allow me to keep living a full life, despite being away from my home country and family.

1 – It’s okay to be different.

This is almost embarrassing to admit but, when we moved to Australia I was so self conscience of my Kiwi accent! I was hyper aware that I sounded different to everyone around me. I’d get all shy when I talked, and always expected people to make fun of me. Of course, a little friendly banter never killed nobody (trust me, there has been banter a-plenty haha). But all that to say, once I realised this was actually affecting me and how SILLY it was, I just made the conscience decision one day to get over it. However, I must admit…at some Australian weddings I photograph, I change my accent to sound a little more Australian! Ahh can’t believe I just admitted that. But it’s true.

2 – Be intentional!

As soon as I found out we were moving to Melbourne, I immediately began looking up other wedding photographers online, while we were still living in Auckland. I made a point to have coffee with as many people as I could when we moved over, so I could make friends with other photographers and start a community over here. I’ve made some really great friends as a result. We also joined and stuck with a local church, where we met many of our friends. It can be hard to start fresh in a new city, and it’s really tempting to sit at home and feel sorry for yourself! But by being intentional and reaching out to people, the relationships and friendships you make are invaluable.

3 – Having a good attitude is essential.

If you live in New Zealand or Australia, you will know there is a (friendly?!) rivalry/banter between the two countries. Just recently, I realised I was placing a huge part of my identity in being a New Zealander. Of course I love NZ, it’s where I grew up, and where most of my family lives. But being a Kiwi doesn’t need to define me. I realised this loyalty I had towards NZ was clouding my vision of living in the moment, seeing beauty in another country, and making the most of wherever I am in the world. Having a good attitude is essential no matter where you live.

4 – It’s an awesome opportunity.

I never thought that Sam and I would be doing this, and I realise it’s not everyone’s cup of tea to live overseas. But it’s something not many people have the opportunity to do, and it comes back to point number 3 – the attitude you have about your situation matters, and can be the difference between you having the time of your life, or missed opportunities.

5 – Bloom wherever you are planted.

Speaking of having the time of your life, I believe it’s completely possible to be your best self, wherever you are in this world. I’m not saying it’s easy, but just because you thought your situation would look different, doesn’t mean it has to affect your growth and development in your life and work. In this day and age of Skype and instant communication, it’s easy to connect with family, friends, and clients – no matter where you are living. Of course, nothing beats a hug and conversation in the flesh, but it all goes back to choosing your attitude. There are days where I miss my family so much, I wish I could just drop by and see them, but I can’t. In the first year of living in Melbourne, this would depress me to no end! Now, I choose not to dwell on it and focus instead on all the good there is about living overseas.

6 – I can’t control the future.

Ever since I was really little, I’ve kept a goals diary. Different goals I wanted to achieve by certain ages. Amazingly, everything I had written down at age 16 I had achieved by the time I turned 25. However, now I’m 28…I’ve just missed my 16 year old deadline of having kids, a house with a picket fence + a studio in the backyard! Now don’t get me wrong, I would love to eventually have those things one day. While goal setting is awesome (and essential) I believe that God is ultimately in control, and He has the perfect plan for my life. I’m still learning to remember to trust Him, and let go of my fear of the future! But I know that when I do trust His ultimate plan, it releases me from my worries and fear of the unknown.

Have you ever lived overseas? Did you face any of these challenges and how did you deal with them? I’d love to hear from you! xx

PS – If you’re wondering where I’m going to be based in 2015, click here for details. xx

Photo above by Leah Kua.