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Mindset Wizardry

The magic behind thriving in a volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) world.

Debbie Sehulster Debbie Sehulster

The Magic of Learning from Mistakes

This short blog post talks about the magic of learning from our stumbles and why mindset matters so much in this beautiful process of growth.

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Debbie Sehulster Debbie Sehulster

Navigating Life’s VUCA Moments: Assessing Your Adaptability

In recent months, I've shared numerous personal stories about my life in Brazil and the ongoing journey of adapting to a new culture. This experience has reinforced that change is inevitable. We all face change daily, and at some point, we will encounter extreme change, what experts call “VUCA” – Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, and Ambiguous situations. Today, I'd like to offer you a link to our VUCA Assessment, a tool that can help you understand and confront these challenging circumstances.

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Debbie Sehulster Debbie Sehulster

Embrace the Unexpected

Life has a way of surprising us when we least expect it. The journey of adapting to living in a foreign country often takes us through a maze of unpredictability and unfamiliar customs. 🌍Since my husband and I moved to Salvador, Brazil, I've discovered that my life is far less predictable than it was back in the United States. This unpredictability arises from a combination of cultural differences, the volatility of living in a foreign country, and the occasional lapses in communication. In this blog, I'll share a story that encapsulates the essence of unexpected experiences and highlight how these moments provide valuable lessons about embracing the unknown. 🤷‍♀️

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Javier Iglesias Javier Iglesias

Unlock the Power of Curiosity: Your Secret Weapon in Conquering the Chaotic VUCA World

In the unpredictable realm of today's society, curiosity isn't just an attribute, it is something you can build as a skill. It's your golden ticket to navigating the Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, and Ambiguous (VUCA) world with unwavering success. This insatiable hunger for knowledge acts as your compass, guiding you through the labyrinth of constant change.

Picture this: while others are left bewildered by the chaos, the curious are out there, boldly seeking fresh information, alternative perspectives, and groundbreaking solutions. They're not just surviving; they're thriving in the midst of turmoil.

Curiosity isn't just an accessory – it's the engine of innovation, the bedrock of adaptability, and the driving force behind proactive problem-solving. It's the secret sauce that empowers you to embrace change, stay open-minded, and foresee emerging trends.

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Debbie Sehulster Debbie Sehulster

Just Call Igor

Living in Brazil is very different than living in the US. There are distinct cultural differences that require adjustment. I am still getting used to the fact that professional people here have several helpers to take care of daily tasks – things that we would typically do for ourselves in the US. Today, I wanted to write about one of the helpful people that ensures that my husband, Roberto and I have an enjoyable experience living in Brazil.

In the picturesque coastal city of Salvador, Brazil, a stereotype often prevails among outsiders - that Baianos are a laid-back bunch, primarily focused on enjoying the beautiful beaches that line their city's coastline. In Brazil, people often joke that if someone is a Baiano, they are lazy and unmotivated. They have the reputation of moving slowly and not getting much done. But for those of us who have had the privilege of living in Salvador, we know better. And we've had the pleasure of meeting an extraordinary individual who defies this stereotype in every way: Igor.

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Debbie Sehulster Debbie Sehulster

Brazil’s Food Obsession - Where Calories Become Compliments

Today, I want to share another observation I've made during my time in Brazil, a country where the culinary culture reigns supreme. It's a place where your refusal to indulge in food is met with perplexed stares and relentless persuasion to "just try a little." 😋

Picture this: You're at a friendly Brazilian gathering, and the moment you walk through the door, the aroma of delectable dishes hits you like a flavor freight train. But here's the catch—your appetite is nowhere to be found. You're not hungry, but you're about to embark on a culinary adventure whether you like it or not! 🫕

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Debbie Sehulster Debbie Sehulster

An Unplanned Digital Detox

In a world that seems to thrive on constant connectivity and digital dependency, it's often easy to forget the unexpected twists and turns that the VUCA (Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, and Ambiguous) environment can throw our way. In one seemingly ordinary moment, my husband, Roberto, found himself thrust into a situation that perfectly encapsulated the essence of today's unpredictable world.

Picture this: Roberto and his team are on a business trip, living it up in a pousada with a promisingly refreshing pool. On Sunday afternoon the sun is blazing, turning the pool into an inviting oasis of coolness. Roberto, like any sane person in a scorching situation, is eager to take the plunge. The only problem? His iPhone, his trusty digital sidekick, was chilling in his pocket.

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Debbie Sehulster Debbie Sehulster

The Power of Relationships

In Brazil, relationships are paramount, whether you're venturing into business or seeking home repairs or service providers like housekeepers and cooks. This cultural norm differs from the more transactional approach often seen in the United States.

Relationships serve as the foundation of trust in Brazil. While North Americans often rely on online reviews and internet searches, particularly for personal purchases, Brazilians place greater emphasis on personal connections and recommendations. In Brazil, who you know matters as much as what you know.

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Debbie Sehulster Debbie Sehulster

My Rant About Tiny Parking Spaces

Last week, I wrote a blog about our social life in Brazil and all the fun we've been having. This week, I want to take a moment to vent about something that has been consistently frustrating to me during my time in Brazil - the notorious tiny parking spaces. Yes, you heard it right, parking spaces in Brazil are on a whole new level of compactness. Every time I need to go to a store or pick up some carryout food, I find myself facing this maddening challenge. 😡

Why, oh why, do they feel the need to cram so many parking spaces into such a confined area? It's a question that boggles my mind as I cautiously inch my way into the parking spot, trying to avoid the inevitable scratches and dings that come with the territory. 💥

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Debbie Sehulster Debbie Sehulster

My Big Fat Brazilian Adventure

Have you ever watched the movie "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" and felt a strange sense of familiarity? As an American living in Brazil, my life often resembles different scenes right out of that film. From the large extended family to the ever-present friends, my Brazilian experience is a whirlwind of cultural immersion, delicious cuisine, and the occasional identity mix-up.

If there's one thing I've learned about Brazil, it's that family and friends are not just important – they're everything. My husband, Roberto, is at the center of a vibrant network of relatives and companions who seem to be in a perpetual state of visiting. Our home is always bustling with laughter, stories, and the aromas of traditional Brazilian dishes. The warmth and inclusivity of his family and friends have made me feel both welcomed and overwhelmed, much like Ian in "My Big Fat Greek Wedding."

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Debbie Sehulster Debbie Sehulster

Water Woes - A Tale of Two Different Reactions

A water shortage can transform the most ordinary day into a minor crisis, as recently experienced in my Salvador, Brazil neighborhood. What caught my attention was the striking contrast in how Brazilians and Americans navigate such situations. In this light-hearted comparison of water scarcity reactions, we'll explore the amusing distinctions between these two cultures. We will compare the Brazilian Chill to the American Frenzy.

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Debbie Sehulster Debbie Sehulster

A Power Outage in Paradise

Picture this: the sun is painting the sky in shades of gold, the birds are composing their symphony and people are going about their business when suddenly, the lights flicker and then go out. This wasn’t any old power outage – it was a phenomenon that spanned more than 15 states in Brazil, including Bahia (where we are living).

Here we were, getting ready for the day, when the grand conductor of the universe, nature herself, decided to rearrange the tune. The electricity, that silent hero of our modern lives, chose to take a siesta, leaving us temporarily in the dark – both literally and figuratively, as our cell phones lost their signal too. The morning plans took an unplanned hiatus, but you know what they say, life is about adapting and going with the flow.

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Debbie Sehulster Debbie Sehulster

Lost in Translation

Last weekend, I found myself at a Brazilian birthday party, a celebration for our friend's teenage son. Armed with a glass of wine and my trusty language-mangling skills, I embarked on a linguistic adventure that would rival any telenovela plotline.

This party was not only an opportunity to indulge in delicious Brazilian treats, but also a golden chance to brush up on my Portuguese. And by "brush up”, I mean cross my fingers and hope I don't make a complete fool of myself again.

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Debbie Sehulster Debbie Sehulster

Embracing a Different Perspective

In the journey of life, we often find ourselves clinging to preconceived notions and familiar routines. Our comfort zones can inadvertently limit our ability to grow and experience the world in new ways. One place this tendency becomes evident is in our physical spaces, especially our homes. The story of an ordinary house organization project can offer valuable insights into the power of embracing a different perspective.

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Debbie Sehulster Debbie Sehulster

The Emotional Rollercoaster of Expatriate Life - Part 2

Moving to a new country can be a thrilling and life-changing experience for expatriates. The excitement of exploring unfamiliar cultures, meeting new people, and embracing new opportunities often creates a sense of wonder and adventure. However, the initial euphoria fades and when that happens, expatriates start riding an emotional rollercoaster. They move from excitement to feelings of homesickness and craving the familiar. This journey has lots of twists and turns. Understanding these emotional patterns can help expatriates navigate their journey more effectively and find a sense of balance in their new environment.

This is part 2 of the Emotional Roller Coaster of Expatriate Life where I will focus on coping strategies for the homesickness phase.

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Debbie Sehulster Debbie Sehulster

The Emotional Rollercoaster of Expatriate Life - Part 1

Moving to a new country can be an exhilarating and life-changing experience for expatriates. The excitement of exploring unfamiliar cultures, meeting new people, and embracing novel opportunities often creates a sense of wonder and adventure. However, amidst the initial euphoria, expatriates frequently encounter emotional cycles that are characterized by a transition from the honeymoon phase to feelings of homesickness and longing for the familiar. Understanding these emotional patterns can help expatriates navigate their journey more effectively and find a sense of balance in their new environment.

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Debbie Sehulster Debbie Sehulster

Embracing a Simpler Life

Although the primary reason we moved to Brazil was to pursue business opportunities, we also wanted to experience a simpler life.

Are you overwhelmed by the complexities of modern life? Yearning for a change that can bring you more joy and fulfillment? Look no further than embracing a simpler life in your own way.

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Debbie Sehulster Debbie Sehulster

Celebrating Saint Joao Festival

Brazil has many unique cultural celebrations. Among the myriad of festivals here, the St. João festival stands out as a time-honored tradition that brings communities together in joyous revelry. In today’s blog, we’ll delve into the colorful world of St. João’s festival and discover the magic it weaves in the hearts of Brazilians.

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Debbie Sehulster Debbie Sehulster

Bahia Time

Last week, my computer crashed on the eve of the official start of St. Joao Festival. I was unable to fix it on my own, so I had to take it to a computer repair shop, not realizing that I was entering a time warp called Bahia time.

Welcome to Bahia, a place where the clocks seem to tick slower, deadlines are optional, and punctuality is a foreign concept. While this Brazilian paradise is known for its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and delicious cuisine, there’s one aspect of life here that can drive even the most patient individuals up the wall: Bahia Time. Join me in this adventure through the inconveniences of living in the laid-back, slow-paced, tropical state of Bahia.

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Debbie Sehulster Debbie Sehulster

Tetris Part 2

When we moved to Brazil, I knew that we would be in the middle of a VUCA storm for a while. I always thought I was resilient but had no idea how resilient I was until my husband and I attempted an international move of a four-bedroom house on our own. This is the second part of the “Tetris” blog.

Moving to a new country and a new home creates VUCA (Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity and Ambiguity). In this blog, we will explore why moving evokes VUCA and how to navigate through it. I’ll start by illustrating how a person faces external VUCA (things that are happening in your environment) and internal VUCA (thoughts and feelings) in this situation.

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Everyone is familiar with the feelings associated with VUCA, even if they haven’t heard the acronym (Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, and Ambiguity).

This blog is dedicated to solving the mysteries associated with VUCA and providing information that will connect you to the magic behind learning to thrive in a VUCA state.