Relocating to a new country can be daunting, but for my husband and I, it’s a journey we’ve embraced wholeheartedly over the years. From 2004 to 2013, we lived and worked in six different countries, revelling in immersing ourselves in new cultures, experiences, and, adventures. However, this time, our move from the UK to Sweden comes with added excitement and challenges, as we’re accompanied by our two daughters, aged 9 and 12, our beloved cat, and my macrame business!
The decision to leave behind the familiarity of the UK and move to Sweden was not made lightly. As an Italian, I had always imagined our next move to be somewhere in the sun-soaked south of Europe or amidst the boho vibes of Bali—not Scandinavia. But life had other plans for us, and when the opportunity arose through my husband’s job, we found ourselves contemplating a move to the land of the midnight sun.
Let me take you behind the scenes of embracing change during the preparation of our move from the UK to Sweden. Discover how I transform fears into excitement, welcome the spirit of adventure, and plan a new life, all while balancing the needs of my kids, a cat, and my Macrame Business.
- Exploring the Unknown: Before making our decision, we took a trip to Sweden during the Christmas holidays to get a feel for the country and its people. Despite the chilly weather, we were enchanted by the warmth of the people and the inviting atmosphere.
- Education and Integration: A major concern of our move from the UK to Sweden, was finding suitable schooling for our daughters. Fortunately, we discovered a fantastic International School where they could continue their education in English while also learning Swedish—a language we’re eager to embrace as a family.
- Adapting the Business: Running a macrame business in the UK while relocating to Sweden posed its own set of challenges. However, the transition became more manageable thanks to the flexibility of online teaching and the simplification of my business model. I’ve begun saying no to projects no longer in line with the business strategy and the move to make room for new opportunities- perhaps running workshops in Sweden and across Europe!
- Facing Fears: While some might feel apprehensive about such a significant change, I approach it with excitement rather than fear. I see it as an opportunity for personal and professional growth, confident that we’ll learn and thrive in our new environment. And if it doesn’t work out, we know we can always return to the UK, where our families live.
- Family Matters: With our daughters reaching pivotal stages in their education, we recognize that now is the perfect time for a new adventure before they become entrenched in school commitments.
- Furry Companionship: Of course, our cat is an integral part of our family, and his relocation presents its own set of challenges. However, we’re committed to ensuring his comfort and well-being throughout the journey.
- Nature’s Inspiration: One aspect of our move from the UK to Sweden that fills me with anticipation is the opportunity to immerse ourselves in the breathtaking natural landscapes that this country has to offer. From dense forests to expansive coastlines, living by the sea again has been one of my dreams.
As a passionate macrame artist, I’m particularly excited about the prospect of spending more time in nature, scouring the wild Swedish beaches for driftwood and other natural materials that can inspire my creations. There’s something truly magical about gathering materials directly from the earth—each piece tells its own story and adds a unique touch to my work.
The rugged beauty of the Swedish coastline, with its windswept shores and picturesque vistas, promises to be a constant source of inspiration for me. I can already envision long walks along the beach, collecting driftwood and drawing inspiration from the sights and sounds of the sea.
By immersing myself in nature’s beauty, I hope to infuse my macrame creations with a sense of the wild and untamed spirit of Sweden. Who knows what artistic treasures await me on those sandy/pebbly shores? I can’t wait to find out.
Thanks to our travels pre-kids, we’ve cultivated connections through friends in Sweden, and we’re thrilled at the prospect of forming new friendships. During Easter, I had the privilege of meeting one of my macrame idols, Fanny, also known as @createaholic, and I eagerly anticipate spending more quality time together beyond the confines of Instagram and into real-life interactions!
As we embark on this new chapter of our lives, I’m eager to document our experiences and share insights into starting afresh in Sweden, navigating cultural differences, and evolving my business in a new setting. If you have any tips or are based in Sweden, I’d love to connect and learn from your experiences.
The journey ahead may be filled with uncertainties, but it’s also brimming with possibilities, and we’re ready to embrace them wholeheartedly.
Stay tuned for more updates on our Swedish adventure!
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