Leaving the US was the best decision of my life. Here’s how I learned that peace isn’t a luxury

When I waved goodbye to the US, I was stepping into the unknown. It was scary, but it turned out to be the best decision of my life.

You see, I had always equated success with hustle and bustle, but I learned that peace isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity.

This realization didn’t come easy, it took venturing far from my comfort zone and embracing a different perspective on life. Today, I’m going to share that transformative journey with you.

Now, don’t get me wrong. The US had its perks, but the relentless pace began to wear me down.

And that’s when I discovered that sometimes, you need to leave what you know behind to truly find what you need.

So, fasten your seatbelts. We’re about to uncover how changing your surroundings can bring about a much-needed shift in your mindset.

1) Recognizing the need for change

Change is as unpredictable as it is inevitable.

It swirls around us, sometimes as gentle as a summer breeze and other times as harsh as a winter storm.

But it’s our ability to navigate these winds of change that defines us.

When I lived in the US, I was caught in a constant hustle.

Every day was a race against time, a relentless pursuit of success. And with every passing day, I could feel myself losing touch with who I was.

But it wasn’t until I broke free from this cycle that I truly understood what was missing—peace.

I realized that peace isn’t just a luxury that we can indulge in when we have some spare time. It’s an essential part of our wellbeing, as crucial to our survival as the air we breathe.

And so, my journey began. A journey away from the familiar and into the unknown.

A journey that taught me that sometimes, to find what you’re truly looking for, you need to leave what you know behind.

Looking back now, leaving the US was a decision that changed my life.

But more importantly, it was the moment when I recognized my need for change. And trust me, recognizing that you need to change is the first step towards a better life.

Pretty amazing, isn’t it?

2) Embracing the unfamiliar

The unknown can be terrifying, but it can also be exhilarating.

When I first stepped off the plane in my new country, I felt a mix of emotions.

Anxiety, excitement, wonder, and a twinge of homesickness. But what struck me most was the sense of calm that washed over me.

I remember my first morning there. I woke up to the sound of birds chirping outside my window, a stark contrast to the blaring car horns and busy city noises I was used to back in the US.

As I sat there sipping my coffee, looking out at the serene landscape in front of me, it hit me.

This was peace. This was what I had been missing all along. And it was right there in front of me, not as a luxury but as a part of everyday life.

It was a simple moment, but it was profoundly life-changing.

It helped me realize that peace isn’t something you chase after; it’s something you find when you stop running and start embracing the world around you.

Incredible, don’t you think?

3) Understanding the value of downtime

In the US, we often associate busyness with productivity and success.

But here’s something you might not know – other cultures see it differently.

In many parts of the world, people have a more balanced approach to work and life.

They understand that downtime isn’t wasted time; it’s an opportunity to recharge and refocus.

Countries like Denmark, for example, consistently rank among the happiest in the world. And a big part of that happiness stems from their work-life balance.

Danish employees average a 33-hour work week, leaving plenty of time for family, hobbies, and relaxation.

It’s an eye-opening perspective that challenges the notion of ‘more work equals more success’.

Instead, it emphasizes that peace and wellbeing are not luxuries but essentials in maintaining a happy and productive life.

A fascinating thought, wouldn’t you agree?

4) Discovering a new perspective on life

Leaving the US didn’t just change my location; it changed my perspective.

Back in the States, I was always looking ahead, always planning for the future. There was always a new goal to achieve, a new milestone to reach.

But living in a different culture taught me the importance of being present.

In my new home, people savored the here and now. They enjoyed long meals with friends, spent time in nature, and took pleasure in simple everyday moments.

This wasn’t a luxury for them; it was a way of life.

This shift in perspective was transformative.

I learned that peace isn’t just about escaping the hustle and bustle; it’s about appreciating the present and finding joy in the journey.

A valuable lesson, don’t you think?

5) Learning to let go

One of the biggest lessons I learned when I left the US was the art of letting go.

Back home, I used to get wrapped up in things that, in the grand scheme of things, didn’t really matter.

I was always chasing after the next big thing, always trying to keep up with the Joneses.

But when I moved away, I realized how much energy and peace of mind I was sacrificing for things that didn’t bring me true happiness.

I learned to let go of societal pressures, of unrealistic expectations, and most importantly, of my own self-imposed stress.

Letting go didn’t mean giving up. Quite the opposite, it meant freeing myself from unnecessary burdens and making room for what truly mattered.

It was a liberating experience, one that taught me that peace isn’t a luxury—it’s a choice.

Remarkable, isn’t it?

6) Realizing that less is more

This might sound strange coming from someone who left a life of abundance in the US, but one of the most powerful lessons I learned on my journey was the concept that less is truly more.

In the US, we’re often told that more is better. More money, more possessions, more success.

But when I left, I discovered a different way of life. One that valued simplicity over complexity, quality over quantity.

I started living with less and found that it brought more peace into my life. Less clutter meant less stress.

Fewer commitments meant more time for things I loved.

This shift wasn’t easy, but it was incredibly rewarding. It taught me that peace isn’t something you buy; it’s something you cultivate through a life of simplicity and intention.

A thought-provoking concept, wouldn’t you say?

7) Embracing the journey

Leaving the US and embarking on a new life overseas was not just about finding peace—it was about embracing the journey.

Every step of the way, from the moment I made the decision to leave, to adjusting to a new culture, I was growing and evolving.

It was a journey filled with challenges and triumphs, excitement and uncertainty.

But through it all, I learned that peace isn’t a destination. It’s not something you arrive at one day.

It’s a journey. It’s about learning to navigate life’s ups and downs with grace and acceptance.

This journey taught me more about myself and what truly matters in life than anything else ever could.

And for that, I am forever grateful.

Quite an adventure, don’t you think?

8) Knowing peace is within your grasp

The most critical thing I’ve learned from leaving the US is that peace isn’t a luxury—it’s within your grasp.

Regardless of where you live or what you do, finding peace is about understanding what truly matters to you and making space for it in your life.

It’s about slowing down, embracing simplicity, and prioritizing wellbeing over constant hustle.

It’s a choice that we all have the power to make.

In other words, peace isn’t a far-off dream—it’s a reality waiting for you to embrace it.

An empowering thought, wouldn’t you agree?

Embracing your own peace

If you’ve journeyed with me this far, hopefully you’ve realized that peace isn’t a luxury—it’s an essential part of our lives.

Because seeking peace isn’t about running away from challenges or seeking a life of leisure.

Instead, it’s about recognizing what truly matters to you in this vast world and making space for it in your life.

If someone embraces that, they are not just seeking peace. They are pursuing a richer, more fulfilling life.

Leaving the US was the best decision of my life because it allowed me to discover this invaluable truth.

And now that you’ve heard my journey, perhaps it’s time for you to reflect on your own path to peace.

Peace isn’t a far-off destination—it’s a journey waiting for you to embark on. And trust me, it’s a journey well worth taking.

A profound thought to ponder on, don’t you think?