The Ultimate Moving Game

Turning Our Move Abroad Into a Fun Game

Moving abroad is stressful, okay? However, when we planned to move from Canada to Belize, we thought it would be a tough but exciting challenge to conquer. Each obstacle we faced was viewed as a level in a game, and every time we accomplished a task, it felt like leveling up. By gamifying our move, we reduced a bit of stress and actually found joy in the process. Our hope is to inspire others considering a move abroad to look at it as a game that can be won rather than a source of anxiety.

Here’s how we Gamified our Move:

Reached Different Levels in Our Game 

The first step in creating our own game of moving abroad was to create levels that represented all the tasks we needed to do in order to make our move successful. This included selling some of our possessions, preparing the documentation for our dog, getting/renewing passports, etc. We felt like we had unlocked a level in our game for each task we completed. Breaking down large tasks into smaller ones helped us stay focused and motivated.

Collecting Coins Along the Way

We were determined to make our dreams of moving abroad come true. The money that helped us reach this goal became more than just currency; it was like coins in an adventure, collected one by one until we had enough. Whether earned from working or selling items, each coin brought us closer to our ultimate destination: paying for flights, renewing visas, and investing in tools for further content creation. During uncertain times, these shining silver tokens became beacons of progress, continually reassuring us as we journeyed into the unknown.

Celebrating Successes with Rewards

When we reached certain milestones in our game—like selling big items or booking flights—we rewarded ourselves with small rewards like going out for dinner or treating ourselves to something special, like multiple bags of delicious Popcorners. This kept us motivated throughout the process and added an element of fun that made everything seem more manageable instead of overwhelming. After all, if you’re moving to a completely different part of the world, why not enjoy yourself along the way?

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Navigating Levels Alone: The Solo Missions

While our move was filled with teamwork, coordination, and shared joy, there were periods when Brendan and I had to embark on solo missions. These separations, whether due to work commitments or other obligations, were an integral part of our game, adding both challenge and depth to our experience.

Individual Challenges, Shared Triumphs

Each of us had specific tasks and goals to achieve while apart, like handling paperwork or organizing the sale of items. Being away from each other during these critical stages was like navigating a level of our game without a trusted partner. It required personal determination but also reinforced the importance of our shared objectives.

But we figured out a cheat code while being apart every week that made things a little easier when it came to selling some of our items. Since Brendan was staying in Toronto, which has a much greater population than the little town where we lived, it helped us sell some of our goods really quickly.

Staying Connected

Despite the distance, we maintained our connection through regular communication, sharing updates, achievements, and even setbacks. This constant interaction became our multiplayer mode, where we could support and encourage each other even when physically apart.

Reunions: The Power-Ups

Every reunion after completing a solo mission was a joyous occasion, a power-up that replenished our energy and excitement. The satisfaction of overcoming challenges apart only deepened our connection, proving that we could succeed both as individuals and as a team.

Life is essentially a series of tasks, challenges, and levels. By gamifying these experiences, we can transform our perspective, find joy in the mundane, and approach difficulties with excitement and determination. Our move to Belize was a testament to the power of this approach, but the game doesn't stop there. It's a continuous journey, an endless adventure filled with opportunities to level up. So why not play the game of life with enthusiasm, creativity, and a willingness to embrace each new level? After all, the real reward is in the journey itself.