Uma nova aventura espera

A new adventure awaits...

Helllo 2023! I’ve literally never been so happy to see a new year arrive.

So, hi Internet! I’m starting a little writing project, not as some kind of lame-ass new year’s eve resolution that I would typically drop within two weeks – but as part of an exciting, yet profound, new beginning. An adventure, you might say.

But first, let me catch you up to speed if you’re new to me and my story…

The end of 2021 and 2022 were the most personally challenging years I’ve ever known, to put it mildly. I walked away from a 15-year marriage and a life that I loved beyond measure. The decision to end that life with that person was singlehandedly the most insurmountable and heartbreaking trial I’ve ever faced, yet was a courageous and very necessary act of self-love. And I will never be the same because of it.

Yet, despite the dumpster fire that has been my life for the last 13 months, I’m finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel and have so much to be grateful for. I have the most amazing friends and family, who pulled me through my darkest days (you all know who you are!). I landed a super fun remote job that I love with an awesome company. I live in a beautiful place where stunning sunsets and dolphin sightings are almost always on-demand. I have my health. Through it all, I still consider myself one lucky girl.

So as I rang in 2023 with my incredible group of friends, doing multiple rounds of Cham-bongs and losing LOTS of dollar bills at Left Right Center, I couldn’t help but think about how far I’ve come in my healing journey – and for the first time in a long time, actually felt hope and excitement. Not just because I was able to tell 2022 to pound sand but because of an upcoming adventure that’s been on my heart for a long time and is now becoming a reality.

So, meus amigos, I’m heading to Portugal!

And not just for a few weeks. I’ll be calling Portugal home for a few months.

Yes, you read that right.

I’ve felt the pull to visit Portugal in recent years just out of sheer curiosity. The more I read, the stronger the pull. I’ve also had a strong desire to work remotely abroad since 2016. So, if there was ever a good time to pull the chute, this is it.

Let me get some initial questions out of the way.

• Why Portugal? I mean, why the hell NOT? But seriously, the country is gorgeous and also a hotbed for other remote workers, such as myself.

• I’ll be staying in Ponta Delgada (in the Azores, aka the Hawaii of Portugal) for 3 weeks, Porto for 9 days, and Lisbon for 2 1/2 weeks.

• Yes, I’m going solo (with the exception of my two Dunedin besties coming to visit me for a week in Porto!).

• Yes, I’ll still be working remotely and my company has blessed this trip (they could not have been more excited and supportive!).

• I’m staying in Airbnbs (super cheap now!).

• Yes, I’m learning how to speak basic Portuguese (even though it’s not required, as English is commonly spoken in Portugal)

Taking this leap of faith, going to a country I’ve never been to before, by myself, is terrifying and exhilarating all at the same time.

And I could not be more fucking excited. :)

So, enter this writing project I’ve created to document my time in Portugal. I titled it Inesperada, which is Portuguese for “Unexpected.” (fitting theme, right?) Nothing better describes the past 13 months – the good, the bad and the ugly have all been completely unexpected. And I expect this experience to be no different.

I hope you’ll tag along for the ride! You can subscribe and get my updates emailed to you. You can also follow me on the ‘Gram - @meganweinheimer

T-minus 30 days. Wish me luck!

Here’s to taking the leap.

Amor e luz (Love and light),
MW