Emigrating to Tunisia – Embracing Change: Zia’s Path to a New Life

Life is a journey, a constantly evolving process of self-discovery, healing, and transformation. Over the past three months, I had the privilege to accompany and support Zia during one of the deepest and bravest phases of her life. What began as a search for joy and self-worth developed into a concrete plan to leave the familiar behind and embrace the unknown – emigrating to Tunisia.

Discovering the Inner Bear: A Shift in Perspective

In December, Zia had a revelation – she discovered her inner bear. This was not just a quirky metaphor, but the realization that life is about accepting joy, savoring the sweet moments, and giving oneself to the things that truly matter. But what exactly was her “honey”? That was the question she was trying to answer.

She began to pay closer attention to what nourished her soul, what gave her the feeling of truly being alive. She practiced tuning out disturbing thoughts and letting her emotions guide her, rather than getting caught in an endless loop of overthinking. This changed perspective laid the foundation for everything that followed.

Taking control of her own story: A survivor, not a victim

Around the same time, Zia began to share her life story. It was no easy task – her past is complex, full of pain and struggles. But as we worked together, something remarkable happened. I was able to hold up a mirror to her and show her a different image of herself, one that highlighted her resilience, intelligence, and countless talents. She began to see herself not as a passive victim of circumstances, but as a survivor, someone who fought through the darkness and emerged stronger.

This realization gave her the strength to confront parts of her past she had suppressed for a long time. She broke her silence about deeply rooted family secrets and spoke for the first time with Paddy about the sexual abuse they both endured in childhood. His reaction – expressing shame, remorse, and a sincere apology – was something she never expected but desperately needed. It was a moment of healing that felt like a broken bone, long set incorrectly, was gently and miraculously realigned.

A leap into the unknown: The move to Tunisia

And now we are here talking about migration – something that until recently seemed unthinkable. But Zia is not just talking about it, she is acting on it. She is serious about building a new life in Tunisia, and her plans are already taking shape.

She dreams of a life where she can truly flourish, where her days are full of possibilities and new experiences. The thought of packing her belongings, placing her beloved Luna in a carrier (something she already fears but considers necessary), and boarding a plane to a new continent is not just a dream – it is a decision. And it is being carried out.

Of course, there is still much to clarify – logistics, legal matters, finances, and the practical aspects of settling into a new country. But Zia has never been someone who shies away from challenges. If anything, she thrives when finding solutions and shaping things to meet her individual needs.

The journey continues

A fire now burns within her, a determination that cannot be dampened. This journey – of healing, self-discovery, courage, and building a life that truly feels like her own – is far from over. In fact, it has only just begun.

Zia’s story is one of courage, transformation, and the tireless pursuit of a life that feels authentically her own. And even if she may not currently have the time to write this blog post herself, I feel honored to share her journey. Because what she is doing is extraordinary.

She no longer just survives. She lives.