13: On Being Resilient and Thriving Abroad with Jona Tamondong

Published: March 19, 2021, 4 p.m.

I have the pleasure of connecting with Jona through our common pursuit and passion for podcasting and connecting with people and I couldn’t be more grateful and honored for this conversation, one that I needed to hear myself, one that wrapped me up in warmth because I could relate, one the encouraged and inspired me to grow, to stay determined but also, be gentle with yourself on days when you aren’t okay and miss home just a little more. 


Here are the takeaways:


  1. Life can be full of curveballs but if you begin looking for the silver linings and stay committed to your goals, opportunities will present itself
  2. Perseverance, commitment and enthusiasm can often times trump the lack thereof experience 
  3. Find communities that will support your goal and dreams 
  4. When you really want something, the universe will conspire to help you achieve it, but make sure you also do your part to prepare for it and be ready for it when it happens 
  5. Not every day will be a good day and it’s okay 
  6. Realize that creating new connections at a new place takes initiative and may require you stepping outside of your comfort zone 
  7. When it comes to friendships, it’s quality over quantity 
  8. It can be overwhelming at first when you are being placed in a situation where you are forced to grow; be patient with yourself and trust your process 
  9. We are resilient beings; not only will we survive, we can also thrive 
  10. We all have a unique set of strengths. Know what they are, focus on them and use it to build confidence 
  11. It all comes down to self-acceptance, self-awareness, establishing the right boundaries 
  12. Jona’s current mantra: “Instead of chasing butterflies, make a garden and attract them instead.”


 In this episode: 


 Connect with me: