17 Comments

Hahahah I love this! It’s great. The reframe, to I’m new is so helpful for my type A personality. I used to have a horribly stressful job in child protection and my boss used to tell me over and over again that “you’re new, it takes at least two years to learn this job,” and it really does help with your patience with yourself 💛

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That sounds like an incredibly stressful job! Yes, it really does help to think that way in so many areas of life--new jobs, new phases of motherhood, new diagnoses. I used to hate admitting when I didn’t know things, even when I could possibly have, but approaching it this way really gives me courage to admit I need help and better enables me to learn.

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I loved this!

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Thank you!! And thanks for reading!!

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I love your storytelling Joy!!! I'm so glad you are getting settled in your village home, I can't wait to hear more about it. I completely identify with being 100% determined to make the good deals happen, even if it means moving stuff yourself and driving a monster truck bahaha! The picture of you and your oldest girls laughing maniacally driving the enterprise van is one to treasure. But I'm glad you have all the furniture noe and don't have to beat up your poor legs again anytime soon! I love the quote about being new and learning, what a great reminder for all of us as we face the unfamiliar in our lives. You handle learning different cultures and languages with so much grace, humility and humor. I love it.

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Thank you so much!! I should have included the text thread where I was trying to get them up and psyched for our “adventure”. It took, ahem, some doing, but once they were on board, there was truly so much laughter because how could we not???

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I’m so wishing y’all had taken the jointed place… for my benefit of reading about it! 😂

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There’s so much I would happily do for you, my dear, but I won’t do that. I need sleep in my older age. 🤣😘 Thanks so much for reading! I’m glad you liked it!

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Oh my gosh I loved the opening scene from the middle of the night haha. Blessings as you settle in! And enjoy copious amounts of doner kebab!

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Thank you!! I just est the falafels (I’m vegetarian), but the kebab shop has a huge picture of Istanbul and I think of you when we go there!

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Ok, this is hysterical and also so inspiring! "Hi, I'm new". Love it. Wishing you many sweet mems to be made in Germany!

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I’m so happy that you enjoyed it!! Thank you, and thanks also for the kind wishes!

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A delight to read. Look forward to reading more of your German adventures!

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I’m so glad!! Thanks for reading!

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Both new and familiar! Again, I love your reflections.

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Thank you!!

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I enjoyed reading! :) I hope your transition continues smoothly with many good memories with your family!

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