The Birds Take Flight: Beginning Our Move to Spain

Valencia Spain awaits

It may seem strange to some that my husband and I are moving our family to Spain. To others, it makes perfect sense. We’re leaving behind everything we’ve ever known—but are we really? Mos

t of the people I’ve talked to about this adventure have been genuinely excited for us. Some were in disbelief, and even though they know us and our ambition, I don’t think they truly believed it was happening until we bought the plane tickets.

There are probably a few who think we’re crazy—or even selfish. They won’t say it out loud, but I can tell. Others have admitted they’re envious, but in the most supportive way. They want to hear every detail, hoping they might do something similar one day.

Here’s the thing I remind myself—and maybe you need to hear it too: it doesn’t matter. It doesn’t matter what others think about the choices we make for our lives. This life we’re living is ours and no one else’s. It has taken me so long to reach this point where I can say that and truly mean it. To let go of other people’s expectations and misconceptions of who we are. I hope you get there one day, too, if you’re not already in that mental space.

That’s not to say I don’t have my moments. Of course I overthink. Of course, I worry about what others might say or think—that’s only human. But the real measure of how far I’ve come is how much those thoughts affect me.

I can sleep at night (well, sort of). Lately, I’ve been having trouble sleeping, but this time it’s for all the right reasons. I lie awake thinking about the things we still need to accomplish before the move, worrying about decisions regarding my kids’ schools, and tying up loose ends. For me, these are normal worries—especially as a neurodivergent mom trying to make this transition as smooth as possible for my family.

I know this is the right decision because I’m not worrying about whether it’s the right decision. I don’t doubt that my kids will be happy, that they’ll be safe in school, or that we’ll thrive as a family. That certainty tells me we’re on the right track.

I’m not naïve; I know there will be bumps in the road and moments of doubt. Just last week, I completely lost my cool a few times, and I wasn’t proud of myself. But I talked it over with the kids and explained that while my reaction wasn’t great, we’re all feeling big emotions right now—and that’s okay. Even as adults, we have to sort through our emotions. Moments like this remind me of how far I’ve come; I used to have mini breakdowns so much more often when my kids were little, and my emotions were far less regulated.

I’m thankful for trauma therapy and for finally realizing that taking care of myself is a must, not a maybe. I know so many moms will understand that—it’s a constant work in progress.

I haven’t been super vocal on social media about our decision to move. Honestly, it’s exhausting to put it all out there and deal with the questions and doubts from so many different voices. Maybe it’s just that I’m tired of justifying who I am and what I’m doing. For too long, I’ve felt the need to over-explain myself.

This—writing—is where I want to be. I want to document this journey: the how, the why, the adventure of stepping into a new culture, a new life, and a completely different way of living that so many of us need to discover.

I don’t know who will read this—maybe some people will surprise me. I’ve never thought too highly of myself, even though I try to project confidence. I’m not always sure I succeed. But I’m allowed to have vulnerable moments, to let it all out—something so many are afraid to do.

Yes, sometimes I like attention, but this time it’s not about that. This time I want to share the real details, the full experience, and the moments I’ll want to remember but would otherwise forget to write down.

This is the beginning of me documenting our journey. I hope you’ll follow along as the Birds take on their new adventure in Valencia, Spain. We are beyond excited to see where this path leads.

The precursor to our move abroad was our trip to Costa Rica last summer.