Three years ago, I made two life-changing decisions: relocating to a new country and joining LinkedIn. Both were leaps of faith, and without a doubt, relocating is among the top three best decisions I’ve ever made.
It’s been a journey of growth, challenges, and revelations. An adventure that continues to shape who I am. While it’s impossible to capture the entirety of an ongoing experience in one post, I want to share three key lessons I’ve embraced this past year: a year that pushed me in ways I never anticipated.
1. Focus on What You Can Control
This lesson has been a recurring theme in my life, and truthfully, it’s one I’m still learning. The past year was tough. Marked by overwhelming news, emotional spirals, and moments when compassion felt out of reach.
In those moments, I realized I needed to protect my well-being by shifting my focus to what I could control. That meant stepping away from toxic social media, limiting exposure to the news, and creating distance from energy-draining relationships.
Instead, I poured my energy into positive interactions and spaces that nurtured me (and learned to spend a lot of “me time” and enjoying it). It’s not a perfect practice, but it’s brought clarity and peace in an otherwise chaotic year.
2. Keep on Learning
Sales is a profession of highs and lows, but it’s also a field rich with opportunities to grow. This year, I joined Habibi, an employee resource group fostering connections among Middle Eastern, North African, and Arab colleagues. Inspired by these interactions, I decided to start learning Arabic: a language I’ve always felt I should know as an Israeli.
Learning Arabic has been about so much more than words. It’s been a journey into culture, music, and history. And it’s shown me the power of effort: when you take the time to learn something meaningful to others, you open doors to deeper understanding and connection.
In the spirit of “practicing what you preach,” here’s a short video of my first speech in Arabic:
3. Appreciate the Small Things
Relocating, even with all its rewards, can sometimes feel isolating, especially during a challenging year like this one. But even in lonely moments, I’ve found magic in the small things: an unexpected act of kindness, a serendipitous cultural discovery, or a quiet moment of joy. These seemingly minor experiences have been my anchors.
They’ve reminded me that where we place our attention shapes our experience. By seeking out and savoring these daily positives, I’ve found the strength to keep moving forward.
Moving forward here are my 2 cents
Relocating has taught me a lot, but one realization stands out: I often catch myself feeling frustrated by where I thought I’d be by now compared to where I am. It’s a reminder that, much like maintaining health or fitness, there’s no finish line: only a journey of highs and lows. And that’s okay.
Through it all, I’ve learned that thriving isn’t about grand milestones but the little things: focusing on what truly matters, staying curious, and finding joy in the everyday.
Here’s to the lessons yet to come.
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