Starting over

Some Expat Teens like the fact that they can move around a lot because doing so allows them to “start over.” If they are in a school they can’t stand, moving to another country will allow them to “start over.” If they are in a situation with peers that they just can’t seem to click with, moving to another country will allow them to “start over.” Some of you may feel like that, and such a feeling is completely normal! We all, at one time or another, wish that we could have a “do over” like we do when we are playing video games. Even the professional tennis players get a chance to “do over” if they botch a serve, thus allowing them to salvage a point that they would have otherwise lost. Golfers don’t have that luxury. So, if you’ve had a chance to have a “start/do over”, how have you used that to your advantage? Have you truly just “tried again,” taking the lessons that you learned in your previous experiences to help you make better choices the next time around, or have you used that second/third/fourth/etc. chance to re-invent yourself into someone that others may not recognize? As I said before, it’s completely normal to embrace wanting to have another chance to do it right. However, keep in mind that there’s a fine line between making those changes for a new and improved you, and escaping situations so that you don’t have to deal with them.

In our book, 'Expat Teens Talk', Expat Teens around the world sent in submissions about various issues that they were dealing with. Some of them addressed this issue of being able to “start over” and the benefits and hazards of doing so. If you are in a similar situation, continue to watch this spot for more information about how you can get a copy of Expat Teens Talk to read advice and support from your fellow Peers, Expat Parents, and Expat Professionals. In the meantime, TALK to us and let us know what’s on your mind…