Travel, Transitions and Mental Health- with Carla Smith (UK)

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Hi everyone,

Please welcome with me Carla Smith from the UK. Carla has moved to New Zealand in late 2022 and has experienced first hand how hard moving countries can be on your mental health. I am grateful to have her here today, sharing her story with the world.

In this episode Carla is sharing her journey of living abroad th began with an unexpected breakup — a life shake-up that would lead her to places she never imagined. Originally from the UK, she never thought of leaving home until a friend invited her to a ski resort in the French Alps to lift her spirits. That spontaneous trip turned into something much bigger. She fell in love with the lifestyle and soon became a chalet hostess, landing the job by being honest about what she could (and couldn’t) do — and by staying true to herself.

From seasons in the Alps to life on the island of Alderney, Carla embraced the ups, downs, and wild stories of seasonal life — some of which even made their way into a podcast she co-hosted during the pandemic, capturing the chaotic, boozy, and often hilarious tales from resort workers and guests.

But beneath the adventure, Carla always prioritized her mental health. She shares openly about her experiences with therapy, the importance of building a support network abroad, and the role of self-compassion — something she believes every traveler needs in abundance. She speaks candidly about a mental health dip after arriving in New Zealand, and how her therapist helped her recognize the enormity of the transition she had just made.

As she prepares to leave New Zealand for Canada due to limited visa options, Carla reflects on the bittersweet reality of leaving behind not only a life she built, but also a loving relationship. With grace and emotional honesty, she talks about navigating heartbreak, embracing uncertainty, and choosing excitement over fear as she steps into her next chapter.

Thank you so much for being here. I appreciate every single one of you!

Love,
Hanna

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