Canada is our third international move as a family but between us both, hubby and I have done about 50 moves...before we met, together, within countries and to new countries. That’s a lot of packing and unpacking! We made our first big move as a family in 2008 to the USA. Our daughter, Lauren, was … Continue reading Moving Countries? Calculate the Stress Load.
Trust and Let Go
Aris stands ready in goal This is part of the series Lessons from the Backseat... My son Aris started soccer classes when he was five years old. His Dad would take him to the field on weekdays. On Saturdays, when I went to watch the games, I spent half the time cheering and the other half giggling. … Continue reading Trust and Let Go
Learn to get along…or you’ll be miserable
Me and Laurencita on the way home from school This is part of the series Lessons from the backseat ... Years ago, when they were little, I didn’t often have the privilege of picking up the kids from school as I had a helluva commute from Miami to Fort Lauderdale that could take up to … Continue reading Learn to get along…or you’ll be miserable
Moving Countries? Teenager in Turmoil
‘You are going to Chile to live with your Aunt’ The words were like a wave washing over me suddenly, leaving me drenched, confused and gasping for oxygen. Did I hear that correctly? I’m leaving Jamaica, my school and my friends...to go where? The decision had been made. My brother and I were heading to Santiago, … Continue reading Moving Countries? Teenager in Turmoil
Give people freedom to succeed
This is part of the series Lessons from the Backseat ... Often when people talk about management or leadership they talk about getting in the driver’s seat. It sounds good, doesn’t it? Being in control. You are at the wheel and you have a clear view ahead. But what about the passengers in the back … Continue reading Give people freedom to succeed
Adjusting is intentional; ask for what you need
Arlene at age 2, Kingston, Jamaica When I was three years old, I went to live with my paternal grandparents along with my brother. This was a big change for us both. My grandparents enrolled us in a private in-home kindergarten called Auntie’s School. Each morning my Grandmother would walk the half mile to this … Continue reading Adjusting is intentional; ask for what you need
My Story
I created this space to share my experiences of life on the move, living through change and the inevitable lessons along the journey. What it’s like to move when you are a teen, a young adult, a parent? I’ll share what makes it different as we peer through these various lenses, how to prepare for an international move, and how to adjust when you’ve landed. But first, here's my story in a nutshell and one of my greatest beliefs.
TrulyArlene 