Jona Tamondong: On Being Resilient and Thriving Abroad

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\u2019t 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\u2019t okay and miss home just a little more.\xa0


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\xa0
  3. Find communities that will support your goal and dreams\xa0
  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\xa0
  5. Not every day will be a good day and it\u2019s okay\xa0
  6. Realize that creating new connections at a new place takes initiative and may require you stepping outside of your comfort zone\xa0
  7. When it comes to friendships, it\u2019s quality over quantity\xa0
  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\xa0
  9. We are resilient beings; not only will we survive, we can also thrive\xa0
  10. We all have a unique set of strengths. Know what they are, focus on them and use it to build confidence\xa0
  11. It all comes down to self-acceptance, self-awareness, establishing the right boundaries\xa0
  12. Jona\u2019s current mantra: \u201cInstead of chasing butterflies, make a garden and attract them instead.\u201d


\xa0In this episode:\xa0

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