Relocation-the woes, the grows and glows | Lisl Foss | TEDxALC

Lisl Foss left the life she had comfortably built in South Africa and moved to Mauritius to contribute to ALU’s audacious dream of developing the next generation of leaders for the continent. She spoke about the disruptive nature of relocation and the various emotions that come with it. She said, “never compare you new life with your world back home. Spend time everyday doing something you love and don’t compromise to fit in, being yourself will attract like minded people to you.


Lisl Foss has over 20 years of experience as a psychologist both at Rhodes University and currently at the African leadership University. She is also an avid traveler

[anything-surfing-watch-tim]

Who else is watching who is relocated to a new place? Wish you all a smooth journey

[snoozyq]

Just moved to a bigger city and I thought I'd feel excitement but I just keep panicking and crying. Hope that changes soon!! 😳

[brittanyburr]

I just moved to South Korea as an english teacher and have been panicking, grieving, all while being excited to be here. I’m SO glad to have found this video as a sense of comfort as to my experience. I’ve only been here for one week and its been maddening. I resonated with, “i was longing and excited for change, but now that’s its actually happening, it’s so difficult.” God gives us strength.

[Adam-dtbo]

I'm about to move 3 hours from home. I'm exhausted and so stressed I've been crying for weeks. Thank you for this video

[ninayanez]

I just moved to Canada days ago from a small town in Oklahoma and it has been a lot tougher than I honestly thought this was going to be. Every single time I go grocery shopping I don’t know where anything is at, I don’t recognize any brands, not to mention just all the people everywhere. The lack of sleep due to the high anxiety.
I needed to hear this before I snapped. 😅
Best wishes to everyone going through change.

[sechabakgatle]

This is exactly what I needed to hear. I just moved from a big city to a small city and it has been so difficult adjusting to everything. I am learning everyday to let go, focus on what is before me and to fully embrace it the experience.

[fluentinsilence]

I just moved today into a new place and my night ended being tremendously sad.

[stutzbearcat]

The speaker has such an elegant and gentle way about her. I really really appreciated this talk

[silenthornn]

moved to college today from Oregon to Iowa. i’ve never felt such loss. i’m grateful this experience is at least a shared one❤️

[bestyboo]

A update I posted 2 months ago I was in a bad way waking up with dread about why I had moved I forgot everything I did it for as anxiety had taken over ...2 months later everything she said was right the cracks joined again and what felt unfamiliar became familiar and less painful humans are creatures of habit and comfort and moving out of that can as with me totally turn you upside down ..keep persevering don’t be hard on yourself it’s very real how you feel so don’t feel a failure ...as you become familiar with the surroundings, smells etc and all the things that are new and now may scare you it will stop and settle and you look back and think god what was that all about ! Be kind to yourself take it easy as the mind adjusts so will you xx

[bestyboo]

I needed this Video more than anything I have just moved and I thought I was going mad the only one feeling like I’m grieving panic attacks the feeling of dread and wtf have I done I’ve lost sight of what I even did the move for this has given me hope it is a phase I am going to get professional help this week also, thank you x

[theboybythebay]

Mrs Foss you have spoken into my soul. It has been the most challenging and painful past few days for me. I have moved to Scotland from my home in Florida, U.S. to pursue my dreams in acting school. Every piece you touched on I could relate to, and through hearing your words I have felt healing enter my heart. Thank you for sharing your wisdom and truth and experience. I copied down your final points word for word. You speak with such intention, thoughtfulness, and love. Thank you for this gift. Thank you.

[sunjadye]

I just cried. Ive been having such a difficult time alone in the new city I've been living in. It just helps to not feel so alone. There's hope!

[savylumplecker]

I am often homesick, even after living in my new country for 11 years. Thank you for your lecture, it is really helpful.

[carmentherese]

Thank you so much. I can’t say how helpful this is ❤️
We have just moved (only across town) 2 weeks ago & the children have to move schools in the new year. We built a beautiful new home & we are even still close enough for family to visit on weekends...
But I was feeling an intangible irritation, exhaustion & sadness. My daughters are feeling it too & my husband not so much.

There isn’t the same nice restaurants etc around but the beach is nearby. Time for creating new memories - I don’t quite have the energy to do a lot yet ; but I will try to build upon each day.

[nzeymtf]

Moved to London, 20 years ago, alone and not knowing language at age 18z slept in parks ate from left overs in the bins but now I bought my own flat in London. Haven’t seen my family for 20 years, I promised to help them to see my mum but it was abit late when I had money to do so they were all gone. Don’t know how to cope with the pain of not seeing my family and friends for 20years. I still call my mum sometimes as I forget they are dead. All these you said are true, the feelings the moments you want to give up and a lot of other mix emotions, not easy at all, I like how you expressed the pains and the way to deal with them even though it is very very difficult to cope but not impossible.

[koroshiya_]

I really needed to listen to this. I moved to Sydney 2 months ago. It's been a rollercoaster of emotions. I've felt incredibly anxious at points about money and a place to stay...things are slowly starting to look up, but it has been unbearably challenging at times.

[ColinBukovec]

This resonated deeply and was so spot on. It’s helpful to know what we feel after moving is common with others. Thanks for sharing your reflections!

[OTF-nvbw]

I needed this! I have felt so weak and disgusted with myself for constantly cry and feeling intense guilt over leaving my parents, sister and friends behind to move to Canada.

I haven't left yet but I am second guessing my decision, fighting demotivation and moving towards depression as my move date draws near. The initial excitement and hope I had as I applied to leave has completely left me and I struggle to remember why i wanted to leave. Any reason I come up with doesn't seem valid enough to leave everything and everyone behind.

But this helps. Its good to know that these feelings are not unique to me and I am not alone.

[hisetenespanolbysara]

Thank you so much. All the confusion I felt before watching your presentation and submitting my resignation letter vanished! I am so glad I found you, the content of your presentation planted a seed in my mind and heart. I am no longer afraid about moving.