天美麻豆

To be happy as an expat I believe you have to change your way of life to a much slower one especially here on Gozo where the locals seem to be quite laid back. Don't expect anything to be done quickly
especially with tradesmen, the only time non expats move quickly is to get to the front of the queue in shops or waiting to get on the bus.
Its nice to get to know your neighbours and pass the time of day with them which I think they appreciate, where we are we are lucky as the neighbours are friendly, where we lived previously here we had sheep living in a property next door, they were no trouble!

Hello Cheryl, et al,

New environment may require new habits. Which habits did you have to implement to live a good life in Malta?

We had to force ourselves to slow down and not put any high expectations/demands on anything!聽 Coming from a very advanced western country (USA), where everything is done at lightening speed, puts one on HIGH alert, constantly.聽 Consciously slowing down and 'going with the flow,' is the key to living in a European country, as an expat.聽 Plus, be sure to let go of all of your "at home we did it this/that way," attitude/expectations!聽 Do your best to blend in and don't be a nuisance to the locals, who are oooooooh so happy to assist you.聽 Open your mind and heart and focus on all the GOOD in your new environment and forget the negatives.聽 Practice the Law of Attraction!
[/i]

How do you keep stress in check? Which activities or mantras help you in that regard?

There are many frustrations and differences to adapt to, when moving to a new country and some can be insurmountable.聽 Personally-speaking, we watch an American show called "Whose Line Is It Anyway" which is the funniest show ever! Plus we watch any other comedies, which strike our fancy and laugh off all our stress that way.聽 Let's face it, laughter is such a fantastic medicine for the human body.聽 Plus, it's FREE and has absolutely NO negative side effects whatsoever!聽 We also walk a lot, tend to our plants (very therapeutic) and chat regularly (via FaceTime, Zoom, What'sApp) with family and friends around the globe.聽 Hmmmm and red vino!!!

How to form meaningful connections and create a support system in Malta on which you can rely on?

Break out of your normal routine and join an expat groups, a MeetUp group(s) and Facebook, etc.,).聽 Even if you feel little nervous or shy, toss the fear aside and let yourself be free and happy, to meet others in the same situation!聽 Volunteer if you want, do some pet sitting or form your own group, based on your social habits/hobbies!聽 There's lots to see and do here in Malta, so take advantage of everything being offered to you.

How to track your goals and achieve them without feeling overwhelmed?

We each keep a TO DO list handy and do our best to accomplish 1-3 items a day.聽 Sometimes, we achieve more and that's always a good thing!聽 聽 Lists keep us focused and on track.

What did you learn from Maltese about the notion of happiness and how does it inspire you?

Being friendly and kind to everyone you meet!聽 The Maltese are exceptionally polite, outgoing and so hospitable!聽 Living in a fast paced environment, causes one to become more direct, short-tempered, self-centered and hostile.聽 Certainly not good for one's over all well-being or temperament.聽 It's so much easier to be kind and smile at everyone you see.聽 The stress will just melt away and YOU will feel so light and inspired by your generosity towards others.

Take care all and be safe.
Val and Eddie (ex USA)