The Dreamer's Lens

11/03/2022

Hey Fam!

So I did something that I've been wanting to do FOREVER, but I was too scurred to do lmao. I started my YouTube channel!

I'm super excited to share my story and what my journey has been like moving to Mexico and my overall experience being a Black woman living in Mexico. My channel will share the adventures that Jo and I take, along with lots and lots and LOTS of information about expatriating, what it entails (visas, cost of living, safest places for Black folks etc.) and how you too can do the same thing!

If you're interested in planning some dope trips abroad [OR] in moving to a new country, then this is the channel for you.

Check it out, let me know what you think and don't forget to subscribe!!

In 2021 I decided to leave my job, sell everything I own and move to the beautiful country of Mexico. After realizing that climbing the corporate ladder and ...

19/01/2022

*SAVE + SHARE to help a friend* ✨

Can you legally stay long-term in your country of interest?

This is one of the most important questions that you absolutely have to ask yourself when deciding on your exit country. Each country differs from the next in what the requirements are for obtaining a visa, and if you’re able to legally reside there for a longer period of time.

When I first moved to Mexico, I chose the option of utilizing the tourist visa that gives you *UP TO* but not guaranteed 180 days – thankfully I received the full 180 days and was able to explore and decide for sure if I wanted to stay in Mexico long-term.

Once I decided to commit to living in Mexico long-term, I applied for a temporary residency visa which allows me to legally live here for 4-years before applying for permanent residency.

To move somewhere like England for example, it can be much harder to obtain a visa depending on what your reasons are for moving.

In order to not get caught up and lookin’ crazy abroad, know and understand the legal requirements for where you want to move!

Don’t get caught being that person trying to dodge the rules and paying for it later.

Have you started researching the visas for your exit country? Are there any areas that have you stuck or confused? Talk to me, friends!

14/12/2021

You know what’s funny about going after the things you truly want in life, like moving to a new country? When you start taking steps you really begin to realize how many things in life (everything) are a PROCESS.

If you’re constantly on social media, it’s really easy to believe that things happen overnight. What we often forget is all of the work and dedication that happens in the background.

Here are a few things that I’ve learned and am still learning along the way, that I hope help you too:

1. Don’t be afraid to change your mind. One of the greatest things you can possess is an open mind. Open to change, open to possibility and open to showing up in ways that work best for no one else but YOU.

2. You don’t have to have it all figured out at once. Commit to making one small step towards your goal to move abroad daily. This could be as small as a quick Google search and taking some notes on potential exit countries or as big as studying a new language. One small step turns into bigger leaps!

3. There will always be roadblocks that try to get us to stray away from our paths. Stay the course friend! What’s meant for you will be for you, no matter what obstacles get in your way. If it’s something you want, GO FOR IT!

The more we understand that life is just one big process after another, the easier it becomes to accept each step of the journey + go with the flow.

What’s one step big or small that you’ve made recently and are proud of?!

08/12/2021

Now before y’all start smackin’ your lips about what you don’t want to do... Imma tell you right now, it’s really not as hard as you think. You just have to START.

So many things we want to accomplish in life are postponed because we THINK it’s going to be too hard or that we can’t do it. Fix that mindset right now friend, it’s nothing but possibility and prosperity over here.

Imagine all of the things you can accomplish when you simply believe that you CAN.

Change that “I can’t” to “I will”. Speak that s**t into existence, that’s how all the best things in life happen.

It takes 30 days to build a habit. You might slip up here and there which is OKAY, just remember the bigger picture and stay focused on your end goal. If you aim to take one step per day, soon you’ll be a mile+ into your journey. You just have to keep moving.

You ARE capable of getting clear on your budget and sticking to it! 👏🏾👏🏾

08/12/2021

This is probably one of the questions that I get asked the most about moving to a new country. Understandably so. Nothing in life is free and if you don’t know what it’s going to cost you, how can you truly be prepared?

You don’t need to have tons and tons of money saved, but you DO need to have an idea of what you’re walking into so that you can create a budget that’s tailored to your lifestyle.

Even if you have a budget already, the key to maximizing your savings is STICKING TO IT! You got this friend!

07/12/2021

After almost 3 weeks of spending time in the US, I’m FINALLY back in Mexico City! I had a blast spending time with my fambam after nearly a year of not seeing everyone. That’s easily the best part of coming home (and if you watched my stories you already know I was throwin’ doooown on all the food I’ve been missing these past 7 months lol)

One thing that never surprises me though is how drastically different it feels entering the States, I mean literally as soon as you step off of the plane the energy in comparison to that in Mexico (or anywhere else in the world for that matter) is heavy as hell.

Whenever I come home, I’m always very quickly reminded and validated in why I made the decision to leave all together - to protect my peace and to reclaim the power I have over my life, the trajectory of my future and how I want to show up in this world.

Just in the time of visiting I was very quickly exhausted from the media and the constant reminder of the injustices that we’re faced with on a daily basis. The trial of Ahmaud Arbery’s murderers as well as that other self-proclaimed vigilante’s trial in Kenosha were underway, both serving as yet another reminder of how far we have to go in the fight for justice and equality.

I can’t speak for everyone, but leaving Amerikkka was the greatest thing I EVER could have done to protect my mental health and well-being.

That and that alone encourages me to continue to show up in this space showing you that it IS possible and that you too CAN make it happen!

Before 2022 rolls up, let me know how I can best show up for you? Where are you feeling stuck in planning your exit? Talk to me friend!

16/11/2021

Hey friends! Lots of new faces here so I thought it’d be a good time to reintroduce myself.

If you’re new here, welcome + thanks for joining me on this journey. I’m Amber!

I’m originally from Charlotte, NC but am currently living in Mexico City, Mexico.

I’ve been traveling to Mexico multiple times each year for the last 5 years and absolutely love the culture, the kindness of the people and the feeling both bring. It’s my favorite country with the Philippines as a close second.

I left the US because I was absolutely sick and tired of living in a constant state of anxiety and in fear of being racially targeted at any given moment. I left to RECLAIM my peace and improve my overall quality of life.

I LOVE to travel and learn about new cultures, so far I have been to 19 countries and have also lived in Spain and the UK.

I speak Spanish and am actively still learning, taking two classes weekly.

I’m a Harry Potter buff and an anime lover, judge me all you want lol.

I love to eat. Campechano tacos (guilty of eating these DAILY), ramen, birria, sushi, pizza, fried fish you name it I likely eat it 😂

I STRONGLY believe that life is not meant to just survive, but to actually LIVE. Our time on this earth is so short and should be spent serving ourselves and others as best as possible.

That’s why I’m here. As an Expat Coach, my mission is to help you prioritize your needs and assist you in making your exit towards building the life you desire and deserve for yourself.

Enough about me — If you’re new here, says what’s up or drop any questions you may have below. I’d love to hear more about you + your story!

12/11/2021

Fren, don’t let me find out you’re out here narrowing down your exit country based on pics on the gram — that’s NOT the way to go!

Instead, use these tips to start learning more about places you may be interested in and if they align with how you envision your life abroad.

Pro tip: write a list of MUST HAVES for your new home. Once you start researching, if a city doesn’t meet your requirements then it’s on to the next option.

Think about things like the language spoken, how safe it is, the climate and how it effects seasonal allergies literally any and everything that may effect your overall quality of life and 🗣 don’t hold back!

This is not the time to settle. We’re dreaming big AND making it happen!

Talk to me Fren! What are some things you MUST have in your exit country? Some of my top musts were safety, easily accessible to an international airport and affordable cost of living + healthcare.

07/11/2021

What is my favorite thing about living in Mexico?

It’s really hard to say. Between the culture and history, the delicious food and the welcoming people I love so many different things about Mexico and being an expat here.

One of my favorite things is the diversity of the country and how easy and affordable it is to travel to each region. I live in Mexico City, a city with over 21 million folks living in it. Think of New York but more spread out, WAY more affordable and a lot more greenery throughout the city.

But just a 3.5 hour drive away, in Hidalgo State, I can be relaxing in the middle of the mountains and floating in hot springs at Grutas Tolantongo. Here you can find a beautiful warm river that runs through the canyon, which is where we camped. Shout out to my first time camping! Despite being from the super natury NC, I don’t play that in the US loool, catch me inside.

There are warm water pools throughout the entire resort, bathrooms with shower and locker facilities, as well as a few onsite restaurants - though I would recommend bringing your own food if you’re planning to stay longer than one day.

Traveling by bus from Mexico City, spending the night, renting a tent + blankets, as well as purchasing two days worth of meals for two people cost us less than $100 total. Where else they do dat at?

I absolutely LOVE living in Mexico and I love being able to live my life as I please, without the stress of safety or breaking the bank.

Would you travel to Tolantongo? What other areas of Mexico are you curious about? I’m already thinking of my trips for next year 💭

🇲🇽

02/11/2021

It might have looked easy from the outside but…My move abroad wasn’t exactly a walk in the park.

There were so many steps before actually taking the leap that needed to happen before I felt confident and ready enough to make the move. I don’t mean planning and packing, that’s the easy stuff -- the hardest steps involved me doing the INNER work and getting out of my own way.

Before I started planning, it took me months to ‘find’ validity in WHY I wanted to leave the US. Instead of listening to my own feelings and everything I knew to be true of my experience there, I still didn’t allow that voice to be fully heard.

ME, someone who has traveled to 19 countries and already lived abroad in 2 was still SCARED to take the leap.

I sought opinions from outside sources -- friends, family, YouTubers. You name it, I checked there. I found perks and benefits to continue to stay at my job longer, instead of simply facing myself.

Learn from me friend, no one but YOU can truly understand and validate how you feel in making a decision that will change your life.

Only YOU know what you need to feel happy and fulfilled in this short life that we’re gifted.

That fear you’re feeling is NORMAL friend, but the real question is... what are you going to do about it?

I tried planning trips and small escapes to satisfy that hunger and get ‘mental breaks’, but nothing was ever enough.

Eventually, I had to decide if I was bigger than my fears, or if I would let fear and doubt be the drivers of my life.

I challenge you to do this... Whenever you have a negative/worry thought come to mind, try to reinforce it with a positive one.

Our reality is created by what we continuously tell ourselves! Speak to yourself with kindness boo, you got this!

Drop a positive affirmation in the comments to help a friend! ✨

15/10/2021

Friiiiiiends guess what?! The Move Abroad Workbook is here! I’m so excited to share it with y’all.

Over the last six years I have moved abroad three times, each with different intentions and in a completely different phase of life.

I have failed countless times, but I’ve learned MANY lessons along the way that I WISH I would have known then. And that’s why I’m here.

I know how it feels to sit in your 9-5 dreaming about a life that affords you the ability to not just survive, but to live freely and on your own terms.

I know how it feels to know that you want to move abroad, but feel completely stuck in figuring out HOW.

I know what it’s like to feel like the ‘odd ball out’ for choosing a lifestyle that doesn’t adhere to the societal standards of ‘grind until you die’ culture.

I created the Move Abroad Workbook to not only help you define your why, but to help you gain a greater sense of confidence and clarity in the validity of putting yourself FIRST.

It’s okay to change your mind. It’s okay to choose a lifestyle that others may not understand. It only has to make sense to YOU.

You deserve to do all the things that make your reality mirror the life of your dreams.

If you’re ready to push past fear and step out of your comfort zone and towards the life you’ve been dreaming of then my Move Abroad Workbook is for you.

If you’re ready to define your WHY + outline your next steps towards your move abroad, tap the link in my bio to get your FREE copy.

15/10/2021

It's finally here! My Move Abroad Workbook launches TODAY!
Moving to another country takes dedication, discipline and COURAGE. Don't feel like you have to do it alone -- I'm here and happy to help!

If you are:

1. Interested in moving abroad, but not sure what steps to take or where to get started.
2. In the early stages of planning your expatriation, but feel stuck in your process.
3. Have no idea what moving abroad looks like but you're sick of Amerikkka

Then this workbook is for YOU! Tap the link below to get your FREE copy today, as well as to connect with me on other platforms!

linktr.ee/thedreamerslens

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