Girls Night #265: We’re Here, We’re Here! How we Moved our Family to Spain — with Stephanie and Carl Wilson
Aug 19, 2024
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Stephanie Wilson shares her family's thrilling journey of relocating from Nashville to Spain, providing insights into the emotional highs and lows of the move. Joined by her husband, Carl, they discuss the challenges of adapting to a new culture with toddlers and the importance of support during this transition. Their candid stories reveal the joys of decluttering as they embrace a simpler life and highlight the growth that comes from stepping outside their comfort zone. Listeners are inspired to embrace change and pursue authentic living.
Moving to Spain has taught the Wilsons valuable lessons about embracing change and living intentionally, fostering a deeper appreciation for their adventures.
The transition to life in Spain with young children posed challenges, yet their adaptability highlighted the importance of resilience amid life's complexities.
Having close friends accompany them during the move provided crucial support, emphasizing the significance of community in navigating major life changes.
Deep dives
The Move to Spain: A Dream Realized
The couple shares their recent journey of moving to Granada, Spain, reflecting on the emotional highs and lows associated with leaving their established life in Nashville. They describe Granada as a distinctive city that blends elements of Tuscany and classic Spain, enriched by a significant Arab influence and the famous Alhambra castle. Living in a new environment has allowed them to explore different cultures, cuisines, and experiences together with their children and close friends. Embracing this change has taught them valuable lessons about living intentionally and deeply appreciating the adventures that come with such a bold life choice.
Navigating New Beginnings with Toddlers
Adjusting to life in Spain with two young children poses challenges, especially with the transition from daycare in Nashville to full-time parenting during the summer months. The couple talks about the difficulty of keeping their toddlers engaged while juggling work responsibilities and adapting to their new surroundings. They acknowledge the struggle of managing children's needs amidst their hectic schedules, as well as the added complexity that comes with parenting in a foreign country. However, they share the bright side of their children's adaptability and how they have settled into this transformative experience.
The Importance of Community
The couple highlights the significance of friendship and community during their transition, particularly regarding their shared move with close friends. Having their friend Kelsey and her family alongside them has provided invaluable support, making their experience in Spain feel less isolating and more collaborative. They discuss the depth of their friendship, which allows for both serious conversations and lighthearted fun, helping to combat loneliness in a new environment. This unique dynamic emphasizes the importance of a supportive network while undertaking significant life changes.
Simplifying Life and Priorities
Moving abroad encouraged them to simplify their lives significantly, shedding excess belongings and unnecessary pressures from their previous lifestyles. They recount the challenge and liberation involved in downsizing their possessions, which was a necessary step for their fresh start in Spain. This move has not only reduced their material footprint but also led them to reevaluate their priorities and what truly brings them joy. By embracing this new way of living, they aim to create a more fulfilling and meaningful life that aligns with their values.
Embracing Cultural and Personal Growth
As they navigate the nuances of life in Spain, from language barriers to cultural differences, they express a renewed sense of capability and resilience. They share anecdotes of encountering challenges, like grocery shopping and understanding local customs, and the personal growth that comes from these experiences. The couple emphasizes the importance of trying new things, making mistakes, and learning from them as they adapt to their new life. Ultimately, their adventure in Spain embodies a journey of discovery that strengthens their bond as a couple and as a family.
I’m so excited about today’s episode. Today my husband, Carl Wilson, is joining me to give you guys the scoop on what it’s been like to pack up our life and move our family to Spain!
We're answering your biggest questions about our move abroad — sharing the emotional highs and lows of leaving behind our life in Nashville and living out our dream, all while navigating life with two toddlers.
This transition has been a wild ride, but it's already taught us valuable lessons about embracing change and living intentionally. We can't wait to share our story and inspire you to do the same – to live a life that's authentic, meaningful, and truly yours.