Living an International Life - a Journey through Grief, Resilience, and Global Living with Nina Aziz Justin

In this episode of Worlds Collide, host Viktoria engages in a heartfelt conversation with Nina, a dynamic individual whose journey began in Malaysia and has taken her through the vibrant landscapes of many different countries such as England, the Netherlands, and now France and more. Nina shares her early aspirations of living abroad, which sparked at a young age, and recounts how her studies in England set her on a path of international experiences and professional endeavors across over 45 countries.

The discussion delves into the complex emotions tied to migration, highlighting the often-overlooked grief that accompanies leaving one's home and the struggle for belonging in new environments. Nina candidly reflects on her experiences as a mother to a child with a rare health condition, emphasizing the importance of community and support systems for expat families navigating similar challenges.

Listeners will be inspired by Nina's resilience and her insights on finding home within oneself amidst the chaos of constant change. As she discusses her book, "The Home Within," Nina offers a unique perspective on the practice of self-belonging and the emotional layers of living abroad. This episode is a rich tapestry of adventure, personal growth, and the complexities of identity that will resonate with anyone who has ever felt the pull of home.

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Please find Nina's links:

Nina Aziz Justin - Tedx Talk

The Home Within - Book

The Resilience Mentor - Website

Are you interested in being a guest on this Podcast? Then send me an email at Worldscollide123pod@gmail.com or check out the website worldscollidepodcast.com

Here are a few other Podcast with similarities:

Moving to France - Rachel's Journey from Australia to the French Countryside

Grieving in a foreign country - Brigette's Story

Worldwide Moving Around

Keywords: Expat Life, Resilience, Grief, International Living, Community Support, Rare Health Conditions abroad, Identity, Belonging, Personal Growth, Parenting Abroad, Cultural Adjustment, moving abroad, moving to Europe, cultural differences about disability.

(01:50) Viktoria: Nina was born in Malaysia and now lives in France

(04:39) When you were a teenager, did you always have that feeling of moving away

(09:34) I think something is different now as an adult compared to when I was younger

(12:38) Can you explain your version of working internationally a little bit?

(15:27) I've always wanted to work internationally. In fact, just before I graduated, I started applying for international jobs

(16:38) You talk about the grief that comes from migration

(21:20) I think grief can sometimes come unexpectedly. For example, a smell of food can trigger grief

(23:23) Nina writes a book called The Home Within about finding your home

(30:04) Nina says resilience is everybody's birth trait

(35:36) Nina has a daughter with Trip 12, a rare neurological condition

(42:13) How Malaysian and French society view disability is totally different

(44:28) How difficult is it to find a network in France? Still working on it

(48:37) You can watch Nina's TED talk on YouTube and check out her book