At the beginning of 2026, I’ll be moving to Thailand, most likely in February or March. I’ve finally let go of all the doubt and “what ifs.” I decided to do it, no matter what.

Right now, I’m preparing myself to build a remote income. I started my own business (link). I have no idea how it will all unfold, but I’ll keep you posted.

For years, I’ve dreamed of living abroad –  experiencing life in another country – but I never did it. Now that I’m almost 26, I felt it was time to finally take action. Of course, Joey is part of this decision, and he definitely made it easier to choose this path. But he’s not the only reason. Like I said, this has been my dream for years.

During my six months of travel in early 2025, I realized I was ready to take the next step – to actually move. I just didn’t know where yet. Before meeting Joey at the end of March, I had already been thinking about moving to Thailand after finishing my volunteer work as an English teacher. I met so many foreigners teaching English there, and it felt like something I could see myself doing too. I started imagining my life in Thailand, and it sounded like a dream.

Then I went to the Philippines, specifically to this island called Siargao. I had an amazing time there and made lots of friends, which made me consider moving to that beautiful island as well.

Anyway, when I returned to the Netherlands, I knew deep down that I had to move abroad, either to Thailand or the Philippines. The choice became easier as my relationship with Joey grew. I decided it had to be Thailand.

For a while, I still had doubts.

How was I going to make money?

Would I be able to take care of myself?

What if it all failed?

My thoughts kept spiraling… until one day I just said, fck it*. I can’t keep living the same life I’ve had for the past 25 years. I needed change – and so I decided to create it.

Around that time, my mom gave me a book she got from a client but wasn’t planning to read: Manifesteren kun je leren (You Can Learn to Manifest). I read it, and it convinced me to go after my dream.

To make it feel real, I started telling my friends about my plan to move at the start of next year. Even though I had no idea how I was going to make it happen, I trusted that I would and that the universe would take care of the details. Of course inspired by the book I read.

A few weeks later, I came across an ad on Instagram – one of those that promise you a remote career. Normally, I scroll right past them, but something about this girl earned my trust. I decided to go for it. I followed her course and started my own business.

It still scares the hell out of me, but I’m doing it. Because going backwards – staying stuck in the Netherlands – just isn’t an option anymore.

Right now, I’m still in the process of making my business work. I’m working a full-time job, and I currently have one client I’ll be helping in exchange for experience and a review. So I’m not earning money with it yet. I’m building my website and setting everything up step by step.

Progress feels slow at times, but every little step is one in the right direction.

Who knows how it will all turn out? Only time will tell.

But I trust that everything will be alright – and that soon, I’ll be living my dream life in Thailand with Joey.