Moving to a new country is a big decision. This is a decision we made in 2017. On June 11^th 2019, our dream became our reality. The country I called home before my move was Trinidad. Trinidad is part of a twin-island Republic of Trinidad and Tobago .

It is a beautiful, sunny, sticky-hot, loud, care-free country. Trinidad is the business-hub and Tobago is the laid back, tropical paradise.

Life in Trinidad consisted of busy days in a non-traditional 8-4 job, chauffeuring kids, family time and relaxation in my garden. There were occasional “limes” (social gatherings) with friends and family, parties or ‘fetes’ at carnival time and my favorite – beach trips and hikes that ended at waterfalls.

Life was good.

In Trinidad, we were very comfortable. My husband and I had built a good life. We had our home, our careers and were active in social circles. We felt however, that our children did not have much opportunities to look forward to.

We questioned the education system daily. We wondered whether they would find fulfilling jobs with the education they were earning. Other factors such as an out of control crime rate, recession, job cuts in every sector and the lack of jobs and opportunities for university graduates only strengthened our resolve.

I always thought, if I ever left Trinidad, I would choose Canada.

Canada is a country that holds great significance in my life. My husband and I took our first international trip together to Canada in 2004. I became a mother for the first time in Canada in 2005. I have always loved visiting and experiencing what different provinces offered.

Things that were important to us included safety, education and standard of living.

 For the fifth consecutive year, Canada ranks number one overall for providing a good quality of life (usnews.com, 2020). When we thought about the future, Canada seemed like the best decision.

To be wholeheartedly honest, there was also a selfish motivation for making this move.

 For some time, I have felt that my fullest potential was not being realized. I wanted to give myself a chance to attain my ‘best-self’ and I felt as though I could not do that in Trinidad.

At age 40, it seemed a ‘now or never’ situation and so here we are.

What one thing would make you leave your home and migrate to a new country? Leave a reply below.

References

usnews.com. (2020). Retrieved February 2, 2020, from https://www.usnews.com/news/best-countries/quality-of-life-rankings\

youtube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iaMth3pWRTk&feature=youtu.be

Picture: Personal Collection