The Moment I Knew We Needed a Different Life
Week of July 27th
This summer has taken me across time zones and through so many emotions.
In the past few weeks, I’ve been in London, Miami, and Toronto—three very different cities, each offering a glimpse into the many versions of “home” I’ve lived through.
Toronto surprised me in the best way.
It felt like a beautiful blend of the America I remember and the UK—familiar yet comforting. The girls got to experience their first Kiddies Carnival, surrounded by West Indian music, food, and culture. They were in awe—and honestly, so was I.
Miami, on the other hand, left me uneasy.
It was lovely to be around family, but we didn’t really go out much. There’s always this low hum of “you just never know.”
One day, I was driving to Target with the girls. I must have annoyed another driver (I’m not even sure how), and she decided to cut in front of me and slam on her brakes twice—at a green light. In Florida, where guns are legal and tempers can escalate fast, I didn’t take any chances. I turned off the road, checked to make sure we weren’t being followed, and sat there for a moment with my hands shaking.
I’m still thinking about that moment.
Because I’ve realized something: America is where I was born—but it doesn’t feel like home anymore.
Doha does.
And it’s only been 10 months.
There, I feel calm.
I’m not constantly scanning for risk.
My daughters can run, explore, live. And I can work, create, and show up for my family without living in fear.
That feeling—that freedom—is why I created Your Expat Life.
Not to escape, but to expand.
And if you’ve ever had the thought:
“What would it look like to live differently?”
I want you to know that you’re not alone—and you have options.
Tomorrow, we open the cart for the Visa Summit.
It’s one powerful day, focused on making relocation feel less confusing, less overwhelming—and more possible.
But today, I just want you to reflect:
What would safety, ease, and possibility look like for your family?
You get to ask that question—and you’re allowed to answer it boldly.
With love,
Sonaya
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Opening Tomorrow: The Visa Summit
THE VISA SUMMIT – August 16th
Visas made simple—for the life your family deserves.
One day. Five global regions. Every visa question answered.
If you’ve been dreaming about relocating your family but feeling stuck in the process, this summit was made for you.
We officially open the doors tomorrow—and it’s your chance to finally get clarity, guidance, and support from trusted experts around the world.
Your post today just resonated deep in my soul. As NYC kid who moved out of city to the suburbs. Then in 2nd part of life finally chance to go to other countries and felt alive again. Now we are separating our ties here in the US to make Spain and Dominican Republic our new home.
Traveling to new countries and feeling more at home is a weird feeling. It happened for me in Kigali, Rwanda. Everything just feels so far away from my children in LA and my 90 year old father in MO.