After three months of unexpected detouring in the bustling streets of Miami, I finally found myself back in the vibrant heart of Salvador, Brazil. The journey back home was filled with uncertainties, but now, as I sit here reflecting on my experience, I realize that re-entry has its own set of joys and challenges.

Change is an inevitable part of life. It will upend our routines, challenge our beliefs, and push us out of our comfort zones. But change also offers a profound opportunity for growth and self-discovery. The hardest part about navigating the waves of change isn't necessarily the obstacles we encounter along the way. It is summoning our inner strength to keep moving forward. This inner strength becomes our compass, guiding us through uncertainty and leading us toward new opportunities.

Inner strength is the reservoir of courage, resilience, and adaptability that resides within each of us. It's what enables us to face challenges head-on, to rise after we fall, and to continue our journey with hope and determination. In the context of change, finding and leveraging this inner strength is not just important—it's essential.

In the realm of problem-solving, Plan A often takes center stage—a tried-and-tested solution that we're familiar with, comfortable with, and confident in. But what if I told you that beyond the safety net of Plan A lies a world of untapped potential and innovation waiting to be discovered? Welcome to the realm of Plan B, C, and D—the unconventional, the unexpected, and the downright ingenious.

Life has a funny way of veering off course just when we think we have it all figured out. We craft our plans meticulously, pouring our time and energy into Plan A, only to be met with unexpected hurdles and roadblocks along the way. This is the reality of living in a VUCA world—volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous. But amidst the chaos, there lies an opportunity for resilience and adaptability—a chance to embrace Plan B with confidence and forge a new path forward.

In Brazil, Carnival is a time of celebration and revelry, a moment to escape the mundane and embrace the extraordinary. 🎉But amidst the pulsating energy of Carnival, there lies a different narrative - one of patience and perseverance. As the country immerses itself in festivities, there are those who find themselves eagerly awaiting its end, not out of disdain for the festivities, but out of necessity.

My situation is not unique. As someone navigating bureaucratic hurdles, regarding my visa situation, Carnival becomes more than just a celebration - it becomes a symbol of the challenges I face in returning to my home and family in Brazil. With government offices closed and processes delayed, patience is essential.

Almost a month ago, my husband and I found ourselves in an unexpected and frustrating situation at an airport in Uruguay. We were on vacation in South America, basking in the summer sun, when we were confronted with a bureaucratic nightmare that prevented me from returning to my home in Brazil. This whirlwind of events taught me invaluable lessons about resilience, positivity, and creative problem-solving. Check out our latest blog post to learn more about my journey of overcoming obstacles and what I’ve learned along the way.

In our lives, we often celebrate certain qualities as unequivocal strengths. Charisma, trust, and the ability to connect with others are seen as keys to unlocking doors in both personal and professional realms. However, my recent experience reminded me that even our greatest strengths can become vulnerabilities in certain situations. This realization hit home during a trip to South America with my husband, Roberto.

Have you ever wondered how powerful a shift in mindset can be, especially in the world of sports? The Pittsburgh Steelers' tumultuous journey this year is a perfect illustration. It’s a story about overcoming adversity, rekindling team spirit, and the transformative power of effective coaching.

Buenos Aires, Argentina — a city of tango, vibrant culture, and, as my husband Roberto and I recently discovered, the unexpected twists of travel. Embarking on a two-week South American adventure, Buenos Aires was our first pitstop. However, our arrival came with a twist we hadn't anticipated.

As someone who prefers to have a tight rein on travel plans, I was a tad uneasy when Roberto delegated the arrangements to a travel agent. Experience has taught me that this is when things can go awry. And true to form, our first hurdle appeared upon landing in Argentina.

Embarking on the journey to secure permanent residency in a foreign country is an adventure filled with twists and turns. In this exciting continuation of my quest, I invite you to join me as I recount the unexpected hurdles and bureaucratic mazes encountered during my latest escapade towards achieving permanent residency in Brazil. Here's an update on the story that showcases the perseverance required when dealing with the intricate world of immigration. 🌍🤝

Embarking on the journey to secure permanent residency in a foreign country is an adventure filled with twists and turns. 🌐My recent experience at the Federal Police for my residency card appointment was a testament to the volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity (VUCA) that I experience here in Brazil. Join me as I recount the unexpected hurdles and bureaucratic mazes encountered in my latest quest to finish my permanent residency process.

As my lawyer and I eagerly approached the Federal Police office for a significant milestone – the capture of fingerprints and a snapshot for my temporary residence card – little did we know that the day would unfold with unforeseen challenges.

Living as an American in Brazil has its twists and turns, thrusting me into a world of VUCA (Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, and Ambiguity). I find myself questioning things a lot due to the cultural differences. Today, I wanted to share another one of these moments. As I continue to navigate this cultural maze, another peculiar aspect stands out - the Brazilians’ relentless love for wide-open doors and windows.

I don't often get political, and some Brazilians may not be happy with my post, but I need to take a stand on this important issue.

To all pizza enthusiasts and culinary daredevils, gather 'round as I share a tale that unfolded in the enchanting land of Salvador, Brazil, where pizza traditions take an unexpected twist. Hold onto your taste buds, because this story is about to get cheesy, saucy, and, well, a little controversial.

In the chaotic dance of life, sometimes the universe throws us a curveball that challenges our perceptions and tests our resilience. As an American living in Brazil, navigating the unpredictable tides of change, I recently found myself in a situation that not only shook up my daily routine but also provided a unique lens through which to view the world. Picture this: a day with no door to our house.

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.

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.

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. 🤷‍♀️

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.

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.

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! 🫕