Embracing Change: Zia’s Journey Towards a New Life in Tunisia

Life is a journey, an ever-evolving process of self-discovery, healing, and transformation. Over the past three months, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing and supporting Zia through one of the most profound and courageous periods of her life. What started as an exploration of joy and self-worth has turned into a full-fledged plan to leave behind the familiar and embrace the unknown—migrating to Tunisia.

Discovering the Inner Bear: A Shift in Perspective

In December, Zia had a revelation—she discovered her inner bear. This wasn’t just a whimsical metaphor; it was a realization that life is about embracing joy, savoring the sweetness, and indulging in the things that truly matter. But what exactly was her ‘honey’? That was the question she set out to answer.

She began paying closer attention to what nourished her soul, what made her feel truly alive. She practiced tuning out the noise of intrusive thoughts, allowing her emotions to guide her instead of being trapped in an endless loop of overanalysis. This shift in perspective laid the foundation for everything that followed.

Owning Her Story: A Survivor, Not a Victim

Around the same time, Zia started telling her life story. This was no small feat—her past is complex, filled with pain and struggle. But as we worked together, something remarkable happened. I was able to hold up a mirror and show her a different reflection, one that highlighted her resilience, intelligence, and countless talents. She began to see herself not as a passive victim of circumstances but as a survivor, someone who has fought through darkness and emerged stronger.

This realization empowered her to confront parts of her past that she had long kept buried. She broke her silence about deeply held family secrets, speaking for the first time with Paddy about the sexual abuse they had both endured in childhood. His response—expressing shame, regret, and a heartfelt apology—was something she never expected but deeply needed. It was a moment of healing that felt as if a broken bone, long set in the wrong position, had been gently and miraculously realigned.

A Leap Into the Unknown: Moving to Tunisia

And now, here we are, talking about migration—something that, only a short while ago, might have seemed unthinkable. But Zia isn’t just talking about it; she’s doing it. She’s serious about building a new life in Tunisia, and her plans are already taking shape.

She envisions a life where she can thrive, where her days are filled with possibility and new experiences. The thought of packing up, placing her beloved Luna in a travel crate (something she already dreads but knows is necessary), and boarding a plane to a new continent isn’t just a dream—it’s a decision. And it’s happening.

Of course, there’s still much to figure out—logistics, legalities, finances, and the practicalities of settling into a new country. But Zia has never been someone who shies away from challenges. If anything, she thrives on finding solutions, making things work in ways that suit her unique needs.

The Journey Continues

There’s a fire in her now, a determination that refuses to be dimmed. This journey—of healing, of self-discovery, of daring to build a life that feels truly hers—is far from over. In fact, it’s only just beginning.

Zia’s story is one of courage, transformation, and the relentless pursuit of a life that feels authentically hers. And while she may not have the time right now to write this blog post herself, I am honored to share her journey. Because what she is doing is extraordinary.

She is not just surviving anymore. She is living.