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With retirement around the corner, it makes sense to look to a new adventure for this next chapter of life. Or maybe you are looking for a more affordable place to live.
The allure of living comfortably for less money and experiencing better weather year-round is enticing! Images of settling down beachside may have you seriously considering packing your bags.
However, once the fantasy becomes reality, the fear of such a big life change will naturally set in. That’s totally normal! Some of the best changes I’ve made in my life have absolutely terrified me. The unknown will often bring up some of these emotions. Sure, excitement and joy surround the decision, but it’s also hard to leave behind your life in the country where you live now.
So, what can you do to overcome this fear and make your big move? Let’s check out some ways that you can take the final steps to get to that beautiful new life that’s awaiting you in Panama.
5 Steps to Overcoming Fear and Moving to Panama
Ok, where there’s a plan, there’s bound to be some action. So, let’s see what you can do to make this fantasy of a move to Panama a reality without fear hindering your decision.
Research
Being prepared for the reality that awaits you in Panama is extremely important. Certainly, there are dreamy parts of living in Panama, such as the beautiful beaches, majestic mountain towns, friendly locals, and new cuisine. However, there are also bureaucratic differences and big lifestyle changes.
Researching Panama and the specifics of what it takes to move there will help ease some of those challenges and differences. Of course, we provide a ton of information at Panama Relocation Tours to help you do research.
However, that’s not the only research you should do. Dive into where you want to live. Make a list of what amenities your ideal community will have, then start looking for places that check all of the boxes. You’ll have a completely different experience living in Panama City than in Bocas del Toro or Volcan. Make sure that you know where you want to live. And remember, nothing is off-limits if you love the city, beach, and mountains. You could divvy up your time between all three. But keep in mind that that will require more planning and budgeting to make it happen.
We have a lot of articles here at Panama Relocation Tours about all the most popular places to live in Panama. And be sure to check out our YouTube Channel for expat interviews. In the videos, people talk about what it’s like to live there, and our videographer shows footage of the towns, too. This will help you get more familiar with different areas in Panama.
Visit First
Part of the fear of moving to a foreign country is the unknown.
So, before my move to Panama, I visited several countries to find my perfect new home. And in Panama, my husband and I went on a scouting trip to several towns to find the perfect place to relocate. This helped us eliminate some places and focus on the towns we liked best. There are pros and cons to every area in Panama.
Finding the town with most of the things on your wish list is key. What amenities are a “must-have” to make your life enjoyable? Which towns fit your budget? What kind of weather do you prefer?
Whether planning alone, with a partner, or with your whole family, consider what you want from your next home. Are city culture and the arts important to you? Or do you want to be immersed in nature from morning to night? Now, based on your preferences, choose some places in Panama that match your wish list. Visit with an open mind. You will probably fall in love with one of the areas in Panama right away.
Being able to picture yourself actually living day to day in your new home in Panama will help alleviate some of your fears about moving. That’s why visiting and deciding where you want to live is essential in overcoming your fears. It could even be the difference between talking about doing it and actually doing it.
During an all-inclusive 6-day, 7-night Panama Relocation Tour, you’ll get to see the most popular places to live, meet immigration lawyers and trusted real estate agents, and get details every day about things (and contacts) you need to know to have a smooth move to Panama. You’ll get to meet other expats who already call Panama home.
During your Panama Relocation Tour, you’ll see rentals in your budget, visit grocery stores so you can see that the things you need are available, visit PriceSmart, like Costco, where you will instantly recognize staple items you use, get a chance to go to a pharmacy to verify that your medications are available and see what they cost. You can even get to visit a Panamanian doctor if you want. All these things will help take away the fear.
Deal with the Red Tape
You may envision happy hour on the beach, fresh tropical fruits, and exciting cultural experiences. And that’s great! Those will all be a big part of your new life in Panama. However, turning your fantasy into reality will require you to navigate the bureaucracy of moving to Panama.
What does that have to do with overcoming fear?
In preparation for your move, you’ll also need to wind down your life where you live now. This may include retiring from your job, selling your house, liquidating most of your household goods, and determining how you will get your pets to Panama. The Online Panama Relocation Guide includes a six-month checklist to remind you about what to do, when, before you move to Panama.
You’ll find it’s easier to stay motivated when you focus on the positives your new life in Panama will bring you. Keep your eye on the prize!
Remember Your Reasons
It may feel overwhelming once you take on all the details of moving abroad. You may even question why you’re uprooting everything you know to move to a completely different country. That’s that fear creeping up again.
Don’t worry, we can help!
Don’t let fear take over your senses. We’re here to help make your move easy! You can quiet your fears by reminding yourself why you’re making a move. Can you have a better quality of life for less money? Are you looking for a life-changing adventure? Do you want better weather? Do you truly want to immerse yourself in a new culture?
Whatever your reasons, keep them at the forefront of your mind throughout the process. Think of them as mini mantras to use if you start feeling overwhelmed and scared by the upcoming reality.
Remember that fear can often be an indicator of upcoming growth. So, if it’s not a little scary, you’re not evolving. And where’s the fun in that, right?!
Since 2010, Panama Relocation Tours has helped thousands of people relocate to Panama hassle-free. We can help you overcome your fear too! Knowing you have someone readily available to answer your questions and tell you what to do (and not do) will help remove your fear.
Embrace the Excitement
Rather than getting nervous about all these big life changes, get excited! In fact, the two emotions are often quite similar in feeling. Feeling nervously excited is completely normal in this process. Just don’t let the nerves outweigh the excitement.
Most people are not willing to make such a big life change. But those who do feel it’s the best thing that ever happened to them. The only real difference between doing it or not is overcoming the natural fear that comes along with the change.
If you can lean into a sense of adventure rather than letting fear paralyze you, then you’ll be able to take that final step of moving to Panama and starting your new and exciting life there.
Fear is Natural
Understand that it is normal to be nervous about such a drastic life change. Moving to Panama was a rollercoaster ride of emotions for me. Leaving behind friends and family, as well as a place I had called home for so long, wasn’t a decision I took lightly.
However, when I settled into my new home in Panama with majestic mountain views, I knew it was the right move for me. Whether you’re sipping your coffee next to an ocean view or having your afternoon juice while practicing your Spanish in the local market, you’ll have your reaffirming moments in Panama. I still have them daily. I love my life here in Panama, and I’m so glad I worked through all the difficult emotions, including fear, that come with making such a big life change.
Don’t let fear stop you from taking this big step. And remember, if you’re feeling overwhelmed about the process, we’re here to help!
Sign up for our free 15-part email series to learn more. We can guide you through the process to ease the transition. All you have to do is decide that the fear of this change isn’t going to stand in your way! A better, more affordable life is waiting for you in Panama.
Here’s how we can help you realize your dream of living in Panama:
• We offer 6-day/7-night all-inclusive Panama Relocation Tours in mainland Panama. These are all-inclusive tours organized to give you insights into living in different areas
• Get our Online Complete Panama Relocation Guide.
It has heaps of information to help you move to Panama and settle in without making rookie mistakes. You can also use it to organize your tour to Panama ahead of moving.
With either selection, you’ll get access to our private forum, where we offer ongoing support before, during, and even after your move to Panama.
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