THE WANDERLUSTERS MIND PODCAST

Abby Lewtas 8/10/19 Abby Lewtas 8/10/19

Joy, Letting go of fear and moving to Thailand at 52 with Barbara Smith.

Barbara is a world traveler, originally from San Francisco, now living in Thailand and SE Asia for the past 3.5 years. She is an online entrepreneur who left a successful tech career in Silicon Valley and came to Thailand to teach English. Barbara is a fearless breast cancer survivor, mother of two wonderful grown kids, motorbike rider, and lover of life.

Barbara had lived the life she wanted in the states, so after recovering from cancer, she decided to move to Thailand.

About Barbara

Barbara is a world traveller, originally from San Francisco, now living in Thailand and SE Asia for the past 3.5 years. She is an online entrepreneur who left a successful tech career in Silicon Valley and came to Thailand to teach English. Barbara is a fearless breast cancer survivor, mother of two wonderful grown kids, a motorbike rider, and lover of life.

Barbara moved to southern Thailand in early 2016. After having done everything she wanted to do in the States personally and professionally, she was ready for a big change. Barbara sold the majority of her belongings, got a job and learned to teach, bought a one-way plane ticket and never looked back.

“Once you let go of fear, there are so many experiences in life that are just joyful and make you feel so full of life.”

— Barbara Smith

In the episode...

Barbara got a job teaching English in Thailand and brought a one-way ticket and off she went.
She had always wanted to live in another country but never expected she would end up in Asia.
Barbara had a successful business in Silicone Valley and felt like she had done everything personally and professionally in the States and so it was time to have another adventure.
She now lives in Phuket and is absolutely loving her life.
Barbara was in a toxic marriage and also had breast cancer, she then had a moment where she knew it was time for her to get out of this life she was living.
Barbara had got her cancer diagnosis when she was 52 and left for Thailand when she was 53, she knows for many this was a strange decision but for her was a beautiful new life.
Barbara chooses to see her cancer as a gift and a way to change his life.
She also decided not to ‘Fight’ cancer and instead decided to rest, be kind and care for herself.
Barbara loves the quote “worrying is like praying for what you don’t want.” Instead, she just decides to deal with it.
During her 30s and 40s, Barbara was focused on her career and her family but then cancer made her realise it was time to move if she wanted to have an adventure.
Barbara thinks that fear can become harder to deal with as you get older.
The day fear stopped for Barbara.
When Barbara returns to the States she feels like life is standing still. In Thailand, she feels like she is having different experiences every day.
Approach travel with an open heart.

Why does Barbara continue to seek out travels and adventures? This is the life and vision that Barbara wants.

“If you are a competent human being, you are going to be competent in another country.”

— Barbara Smith

Bridging gaps and building global connections with Frantzces & Nubia from Chronicles Abroad

Frantzces & Nubia are single mothers who sold all of their things and moved to Southeast Asia. Frantzces has been living abroad for a year and a half while Nubia has been living abroad for 9 months. Both have very different travel experiences which led them to create a podcast called Chronicles Abroad which is more than just travel. Their hope is to inspire people from around the world to take risks and trust in faith.

Frantzise and Nubia a single mothers, women of colour who are now living in Thailand. Together they have created Chronicles Aboard to share stories of all different types of travellers.

About Frantzces & Nubia

Frantzces & Nubia are single mothers who sold all of their things and moved to Southeast Asia. Frantzces has been living abroad for a two and a half years while Nubia has been living abroad for a year and a half. Both have very different travel experiences which led them to create a podcast called Chronicles Abroad which is more than just travel. Their hope is to inspire people from around the world to take risks and trust in faith.

“But we are actually touching lives, black, white or indifferent and I love it.”

— Nubia

When coming home...

Emotions and differences they faced - Frantzces: it was weird and she felt like an alien even though she was visiting the same places she had always been, she just didn’t feel connected. Anxiety producing experience. Nubia: Has not been back to the states but is already planning to do a silent retreat before going back
What had changed for them - Frantzces: Life in Thailand is so simple and freeing. She feels invisible and this makes her less stressed Nubia: Laid back and feels like she has no cares in the world.
How her mindset changed - Frantzces: Built spiritual practice through meditation and yoga to help calm herself. Adopted the minimalist lifestyle, slow down and be compassionate of other people. Teaches you to face the thoughts in your head Nubia: Has set out to find her purpose. Asking questions so she can understand herself better, becoming a better listener.
3 Lessons learned from travel and reverse culture shock

Frantzces: Slow down, I am on my own journey, be kind to myself. Nubia: Patience
Frantzces: Minimalistic lifestyle - I dont need much to be happy. Nubia: Let go and allow the process to be whatever it will be.
Frantzces: Explore and peaked my curiosity. Nubia: What is most important to me.

Advise to herself before heading off to travel - Frantzces: I would have just gone alone, its ok to do it solo. Nubia: I would have just let life take its path