39 Reasons Why Life Is Better Abroad

Celebrating My Birthday in the South of France

I’m celebrating another year of life—and I get to do it here, in the South of France, sipping wine under the Provençal sun, surrounded by lavender fields and so much gratitude.

This birthday doesn’t feature candles or cake.
It’s full of reflection on what this life abroad has given me.
Not only the choice to live somewhere beautiful each day (though that helps).
But the quality of life I live—one I once only dreamt about.

So, in honor of turning 39, here are 39 reasons I love life abroad—and why I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

1–10: Peace, Presence, and Clarity

1. Peace of mind I didn’t know I was missing

2. Waking up without the dread of a packed clinical schedule

3. Mental clarity that comes from space—not pressure

4. Slower mornings that ground me before I serve others

5. Fewer distractions, more focus

6. Making decisions from intuition, not obligation

7. Rediscovering joy in the ordinary

8. Releasing the guilt of not “doing more”

9. Trusting rest as a strategy, not a weakness

10. Feeling emotionally and spiritually nourished—daily

11–20: Living in Alignment with My Highest Self

11. Making choices rooted in who I am, not who I’m expected to be

12. Designing my days around my energy, not someone else’s agenda

13. Embracing stillness as sacred

14. Honoring my body’s needs before my to-do list

15. Creating impact without sacrificing myself

16. Following my curiosity wherever it leads

17. Letting pleasure be part of the plan

18. Releasing perfectionism in exchange for presence

19. Knowing that ease and purpose can coexist

20. Choosing what’s life-giving for me—every single time

21–30: Freedom, Flexibility, and Fulfillment

21. Working <20 hours a week and still making a full-time income

22. Coaching doctors through Nomad MD and watching them transform

23. Supporting others without burning out

24. Creating multiple income streams from work I actually enjoy

25. Doing “deep work” in less time with more energy

26. Having the freedom to travel while still serving patients and clients

27. Protecting my time, energy, and calendar fiercely

28. Never having to ask for permission to take a day off

29. Building a business that reflects my soul—not just my skills

30. Feeling deeply fulfilled—not just professionally, but personally

31–39: Joy, Adventure, and Connection

31. Making memories with family in beautiful corners of the world

32. Hosting wine nights and long dinners with friends from different cultures

33. Practicing a new language (and laughing at my own mistakes)

34. Learning from people whose worldviews expand my own

35. Exploring passions—like wine, art, and local cuisine—with no rush

36. Savoring leisure without guilt

37. Reclaiming time for rest, reflection, and ritual

38. Celebrating birthdays in places that once lived only in my vision board

39. Remembering that I am free, and this life is mine to create

A Birthday Reflection

As I look around this French countryside and breathe in another year of life, I’m reminded of just how far I’ve come—not just in miles, but in mindset.

This lifestyle didn’t fall into my lap.
I chose it. I built it.
And I’ll keep choosing it every day—because this level of freedom, alignment, and joy is worth everything it took to get here.

If you’re ready to build your version of a life abroad—one that’s spacious, intentional, and fully yours—book a call for 1:1 consultation.

Let’s make this the year you say yes to peace, purpose, and possibility in medicine.

Because you deserve a life that feels as good as it looks.