The 5 Key Mistakes This Family Made When Moving To Ghana
Listen.
If you frequently read my posts, you know that I am first-in-line-here for Black people, with Black families, being unapologetically and openly Black for the world to see. And a family that wears this cape so beautifully, is none other than the Native Borne Family—expat social influencers, John and Safiyyah Christian and their 5 kids—all embarking on a relocation journey to live their best lives abroad. They encourage holistic living while boastfully being true advocates of down-to-earth lifestyles.
From traveling as a family of seven, to creating and sharing a relocation blueprint, this family is all about helping us find our passions, and showing us that we can live and travel while simultaneously being immersed in them too.
Well, recently, they grabbed my attention by detailing their painfully honest list of key, or what they described as dumb, mistakes made when moving internationally. And with many of us considering moving overseas, this list could be even more valuable to international cautionary tales.
Their mistakes consisted of:
Not Rooting in a Secure Place
Like with any move, but especially internationally, home should be safe—that's a given. Obviously, John and Safiyyah did their due diligence in ensuring their new home was safe, their new residence even had 24/7 security. But as time went on, they learned that their security was too lax and wasn't as thorough as promised. This caused them to be robbed while sleeping one night, all of their belongings being stolen.
They later found out that although Ghana is an overall safe country, known expats and tourists are targeted at a much higher rate than locals.
Their advice:
- Be mindful. Pay the price for peace of mind.
- Get advice from locals about locals. Get to know people.
- Take your time in choosing where you want to live.
- Look for clean grounds and security performing thorough inspections.
Shipping Everything
Native Borne
When the NB fam officially decided to move to Ghana, they were so excited to relocate, that they chose to ship all of their belongings to the country. Beds, mattresses, dishes. Even unnecessary paperwork.
Huge mistake. Why? Because it was expensiiiiiveeeee. They soon found out, that not only are there shipping costs, there's also Customs fees, which they estimated to be about $2,000 USD. Ouch.
Their advice:
- Less is more. If you don't need it, don't bring it.
- Find a shipper who is able to explain the full process in detail.
- Adopt a minimalist mindset.
- If you want to bring particular items, just pay the additional bag fees to bring your items on the plane. Whatever that cost is, it is much cheaper than having them shipped.
Not Having Residual Income
Like many expats, they saved up money and moved with their faith in tow. They had a nice-sized cushion to sustain them for a while, but it dwindled quickly. Their ultimate goal was to always become digital nomads, so that they could travel the world, but they learned that they had to set themselves up properly in order to continue to do so, thus monetizing their journey and providing insight and guidance to those of us interested in doing the same.
Their advice:
- Savings is great, but have residual income.
- Take part in business that's proven to bring you revenue.
- Start the business now, and then relocate.
- Be able to show yourself results on paper. Confirm that “this is what this business is making, and if I move, I'll be OK.“
Sending Money Ahead Of Time
Prior to arriving, the NB family made connections with locals in the country. They ended up sending money to people that they trusted to secure their home. Once they arrived, communication changed, the story changed, and the place they were supposed to be living in, also changed. They were supposed to save money through this connection, but it ended up costing them more due to..."fees." *side eye*
Their advice:
- When dealing with professionals, conduct business in person.
- Have written agreements and contracts to protect both parties.
- Stay at an Airbnb or hotel until you are acclimated with the area.
- Find a reputable real estate agent show you around. There's plenty where you want to relocate, but it's one of those things that you must do on-site.
- Be patient and stay in control.
- Don't send your money.
- Don't send your money.
- Don't send your money.
Rushing To Purchase Land
Native Borne
Like with any country, buying land is a highly in-demand interest across the board. The NB family had many conversations with people who have lived in the country for decades, who all told them to take their time. Unfortunately, they soon learned they were taken advantage of by people whom they trusted. To make a purchase of that caliber, takes time, so their process ended up being quite difficult.
Their advice:
- Before you make any decisions, rent. Don't allow excitement to cloud judgement.
- Build your team. Hire a reputable surveyor, real estate agent, and the like.
- Always protect your interest and don't be afraid to walk away from a seemingly great deal.
- Again, conduct your deals in person, guys. Nothing less.
- Take your time in signing the dotted line.
Ultimately, the NB family found their stride and perfected what they sought out to do. In addition to living in Ghana, they frequent various countries, masterfully traveling as only they know how: black and beautiful.
To learn more about the Native Borne Family, visit their YouTube channel here. Also, for anyone interested in their relocation blueprint or current projects, visit their website.
Feature image courtesy of The Native Borne Family
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Charmin Michelle is a southern native and creative spirit who works as a content marketer and events manager in Chicago. She enjoys traveling, #SummertimeChi, and the journey of mastering womanhood. Connect with her on Instagram @charminmichelle.
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If you ever imagined doing yoga in a sauna – that's kind of what hot yoga feels like. Doing hot yoga is like regular yoga with a twist - or, should we say, a lot of heat! The popular workout is basically practicing yoga in a room that's heated to around 95-105°F with elevated humidity. The heat is meant to mimic warm climates and help you sweat.
Why use heat? Well, the heat helps your muscles relax and become more flexible, which can make those yoga poses a bit easier to get into. Not only is all the sweating you do great for the body, but is also good for building strength and improving your cardio.
The end result makes your heart work a little harder, just like when you're working out through more strenuous forms of exercise. It's also believed that the heat can help reduce stress and promote relaxation.
But, before you go to your first hot yoga class, you may be wondering what you should expect. Keep reading to learn more about what to know before you go!
What To Know Before Your First Hot Yoga Class
What To Wear to Hot Yoga
Do wear light, breathable clothing.
Opt for moisture-wicking fabrics that allow your skin to breathe. Think lightweight tank tops, sports bras, and shorts or yoga leggings. The less fabric, the better to keep yourself as cool as possible.
Don't wear cotton.
While cotton might be comfy, it soaks up sweat and stays wet. If you must wear cotton, you can, but do your best to avoid it and opt for moisture-wicking fabrics like we mentioned above instead.
Do wear shorts, but the right yoga shorts.
If you're into shorts, go for it! They'll keep you cooler and give you more freedom of movement. Just make sure they're not too loose and won't ride up during poses.
Do wear a sports bra.
A good, supportive sports bra is a must. You'll appreciate the extra support and the feeling of being free to move without restrictions.
Don't wear jewelry unless it's minimal.
Less is more here. Avoid wearing too much jewelry, as it can get uncomfortable when you're sweating by the bucket.
Is Hot Yoga Safe To Do?
Absolutely, sis! Hot yoga can be safe as long as you approach it with the right mindset and take a few precautions:
Listen to Your Body's Needs: This is rule numero uno. Pay close attention to how your body is feeling during the practice. If something doesn't feel right or if you're getting dizzy or nauseous, take a breather.
Stay Hydrated: We can't stress this enough! You're gonna be sweating A LOT, so make sure to drink plenty of water before, during, and after your hot yoga session.
Start Slow: If you're new to hot yoga, take it easy in the beginning. Maybe start with a shorter class and gradually work your way up to longer sessions as your body gets used to the heat.
Bring a Mat and Towel: Get a good-quality yoga mat and a towel. The towel isn't just for wiping away sweat (which you'll be doing a lot), but you can also lay it on your mat to prevent slipping.
Understand Your Preexisting Conditions: If you have any health concerns or medical conditions, it's a good idea to chat with your doctor before going ham with hot yoga.
Take Breaks: It's totally cool to take breaks during class. Don't push yourself too hard. If you need to sit down or lie down for a moment, go for it. Don't feel pressured to push through. Also, remember that it's okay to leave if you need to leave.
Your well-being comes first.
What Does Hot Yoga Do?
Hot yoga brings a whole bunch of benefits to the table. Here are just a few things that it does:
- A boost to your flexibility: As we mentioned earlier, the heat warms up your muscles and makes them more pliable, so you can stretch and bend into yoga poses with a bit more ease. Say goodbye to feeling stiff!
- Increased strength: Those poses you strike in hot yoga? They're gonna give your muscles a solid workout. The heat adds a little extra challenge, making your muscles work even harder.
- A cardio workout that's not running: Your heart is gonna get a workout, too, thanks to the heat. It pumps blood more efficiently, giving your cardiovascular system a nice boost.
- Reduced stress levels: The heat and the flow of yoga can help calm your mind and reduce stress.
- Improved circulation: The heat dilates your blood vessels, which can lead to better blood flow and circulation.
- A better mind-body connection: Hot yoga encourages you to be present in the moment. As you focus on your breath and movement, you're fostering a stronger connection between your mind and body.
Is Hot Yoga Okay? How Can I Practice It Safely?
Practicing hot yoga should be approached with care. As exhilarating as it is pushing your body this way in the name of self-care, you have to be cautious, too. If you're new to hot yoga, let your instructor know. They can offer modifications and keep an eye on you during class.
Don't push yourself too hard. The heat can make you feel super flexible, but that doesn't mean you should force yourself into intense poses. Listen to your body and take breaks when needed. If you start feeling nauseous or dizzy or your skin gets clammy, it might be a sign of heat exhaustion. Get out of the hot room, cool down, and hydrate ASAP.
Something else to keep in mind is that hot yoga can be a challenge, but remember that it's not a competition. Focus on your own progress, and don't compare yourself to others in the class.
As with any workout, it's important to balance hot yoga with other forms of exercise and recovery. So, if you're craving a unique yoga experience that's as good for your body as it is for your mind, hot yoga might be the move!
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Featured image by Marco VDM/Getty Images