Gathering the Mental Strength to leave the U.S.

Gathering the strength to move out of the U.S. is not an easy task. If you were born there, this is where your support system is, where you are legally allowed to work, and where you understand the language and system structures. Leaving means giving up all of those luxuries for a new system that you are not used to and that could be uncomfortable. To fight this good fight, you will need the mental strength to tolerate, cope, and adapt in real time, as well as the mental awareness to be open to new, never-before-heard-of experiences.

The first step in gathering the mental strength and determination is to understand all the false pretenses that you may believe about how “great” the U.S. is and how “third world and poor” everywhere else is. This is a narrative they have been feeding us: the land of the free… free to work, consume, eat, and die. Understanding that there was once a man with an oil monopoly, whom we learned about in school (I won’t mention his name), is crucial. That man bought his way into schools and hospitals. He also created big pharmaceutical companies and petroleum-based medicines—the same petroleum he was getting from the oil. This is our systematic foundation: corrupt and capitalist. Debunking “this great land” for what it really is—a murderous, racist, money-driven work trap—is the first step in changing your mindset for moving away from the U.S. Coming to other countries, you see they are more transparent and loyal to their citizens.

The “third world” idea really refers to infrastructure differences and cleanliness. Those can make or break your experience, and, of course, depending on your income, you can have those things as an individual in your home.

Now, if your mind is a little more open to breaking traditions, it’s time to tackle the fear. Many people never make the move because of fear for the future. What if I don’t like it? What if I don’t make it? What if I have to move back? Anytime those questions of failure or scary “what ifs” pop into your mind, replace them with positive scenarios. What if I love it? What if I find my peace? What if my body heals and I find happiness? Now focus and play out the positive scenarios in your mind. The more you focus on any outcome, the more likely it is that one will happen. Don’t be afraid to play out the negative either. For example, say to yourself, “Okay, what if I do fail and have to move back home?” Then you will make that happen. You will deal with any embarrassment you might carry and let your friends and family know you need them because it didn’t work. Then what? You will gather yourself and keep going, as you have your whole life. As long as you can still breathe, you can continue. It’s okay to have setbacks, and if they allowed for good experiences or lessons, then those setbacks were well worth it. Fear stops us from being our greatest selves. Take well-strategized risks and be okay with being uncomfortable. If your life isn’t in direct danger, don’t be afraid. Your livelihood is not your life. You can build a new income, new relationships, and new careers. Your breath and life are the only things not easily replaced.

The next step is to do the research on where you want to live and start filling your brain with possibilities and steps to get there. Make your YouTube and TikTok algorithms flood you with others who have escaped systematic depression. Look up where to move, how to get there, how to become a citizen there, and the things you need to know about cultural differences. Really explore the opportunities in this big open world. Allow your mind to open and unfold all the possibilities of your future. Experiences are worth more than regrets.