Wayfinders: new country immersions
Inspiring stories about ordinary people who left their home to live in a new country. Come and listen to their stories, and hear about their inspirations, motivations, and journeys, from idea to immersion.
Wayfinders: new country immersions
#4 Matt Barton: Melbourne, Australia to Amsterdam, the Netherlands
In this episode, meet Matt Barton!
Matt shares his journey of moving from Melbourne, Australia to Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Matt and I dive deep into what it means to live a "big life."
Matt's story begins with an unexpected source of inspiration: the Beatles documentary. Watching it (three times, all 18 hours!) sparked a realization that he wanted more out of life, prompting him to reassess his path and pursue new adventures.
We explore the intricacies of planning and justifying such a move, both to oneself and to others. Matt shares insights into the emotional and practical aspects of uprooting one's life for a new experience.
Matt's definition of wayfinding resonates throughout our conversation: "People who are kind of like going after it, exploring the world."
A key theme that emerges is the importance of disruption and discontinuity in personal and professional growth. We discuss how stepping out of one's comfort zone can lead to unexpected opportunities and self-discovery. Matt's move from Melbourne to Amsterdam serves as a prime example of embracing change and seeking new horizons.
Throughout the episode, we touch on:
- The process of decision-making for major life changes
- Balancing the desire for new experiences with practical considerations
- The role of inspiration in motivating life-altering decisions
- Strategies for justifying unconventional choices to oneself and others
- The value of disruption in personal development
Thank you for listening to this episode of Wayfinders! If you find Matt's story inspiring, please share it with others who might be contemplating their own big moves. And remember, as Matt's journey shows us, sometimes the most rewarding paths are the ones that lead us out of our comfort zones.
And...if you know someone with a fascinating wayfinding story (or if you have one yourself!), please let me know – I'm always eager to hear more tales of adventure and personal growth.
Until next time,
Sacha.