Moving to Portugal - Story Time

5 years ago I arrived in Portugal.

Before that I was living in Amsterdam, feeling stuck between four walls, longing for nature, expansion, silence and healing.

A place for myself to practice and work on personal projects, creativity, and business.

I had about 10K left in savings, and lost my job at the time in a gym because of another covid lockdown.

Jobless, I was eligible for social money, but I would have to abide by all kinds of rules, apply for any job, and immerse myself in a system of bureaucracy.

I requested to receive financial support while building my business, which got denied.

And so I decided to go my own way and not make myself dependent on the government and lose my freedom.

With my last money, I bought a car, invested in a coach, and started driving south through Europe, working on my online business on the road.

It was risky, scary, and uncertain. Yet it was also incredibly liberating, blissful, and a pressure cooker of personal transformation.

After some days I landed in a rented room in a villa in the North of Portugal.

All the other rooms were empty, and so I had an enormous beautiful villa on top of a hill, all for myself for about two weeks.

In that villa I made my first money in my own business. A few thousand euros. A big moment. My leap of faith was working out.

Now, 5 years later, I still live here. Grateful I followed my heart. To a country that feels like home and I love so much.

Sadly, many people stay stuck in jobs, relationships, and places that don’t nourish their soul.

Comfort here is one of the biggest dream-killers.

Because indeed, to break free into a more soulful life usually requires financial risk, letting go of relationships, and loss of security and comfort.

But who wants to live a life ruled by fear and comfort?

Who knows of inspiring life journeys without some bold moves and risks?

Life holds miracles for those who step beyond their fear and take leaps of faith from their heart.