“How Moving to Spain Transformed My Life: A Journey of Freedom and Reinvention”
Dubai | January 21, 2025 | 0 | Personal Growth , TravelAfter years of dreaming and trying, I finally made the bold move to Spain at 35. Leaving Texas behind wasn’t just about exploring a new culture; it was about shedding old labels, embracing freedom, and redefining who I am and what I want out of life. Here’s how living abroad changed everything for me.
The Struggle to Find Fulfillment in the U.S.
Growing up in Texas, I felt the constant pressure to fit into a traditional mold — climb the corporate ladder, pursue a “real” job, and measure my worth by my title and paycheck. No matter how hard I tried, I never found fulfillment. I kept returning to the U.S., believing I had to conform to society’s expectations.
Leaving Behind Limiting Labels
When I moved to Spain, I was free from societal pressures. No longer defined by roles like “marketer” or “job hopper,” I was able to explore my true passions. The anonymity of being in a foreign place gave me the space to figure out who I really wanted to become. I started a blog, pursued public speaking, and began organizing events in Madrid. These new ventures sparked skills and interests I hadn’t even known existed.
The Power of Reinvention
Living in Spain allowed me to imagine a life bigger and bolder than I could have in the U.S. With the freedom to redefine myself, I launched She Hit Refresh, a platform empowering women over 30 to change their lives by moving abroad. Within a year and a half, I had built a successful business, one I never could have envisioned in Texas.
Financial Freedom to Take Risks
Spain offered a significantly lower cost of living compared to the U.S., with affordable rent, healthcare, and more disposable income. This financial freedom gave me the flexibility to take risks — to become a freelancer, pursue creative projects, and shift careers. For the first time, I could focus on investing in myself and taking bold steps in my career.
A Slower Pace for Personal Growth
Spain’s gentler pace of life gave me the space to truly live. Instead of being caught up in busy schedules, I enjoyed long dinners, spontaneous socializing, and weekends filled with leisure. This slower rhythm allowed me to reflect deeply on my life and ask myself important questions about my values, goals, and aspirations.
Discovering My Creative Side
In this new environment, I found myself brimming with creativity. Though I had never considered myself a creative person, I began channeling my newfound inspiration into meaningful projects. From experimenting with vegetarian meal prep to building an online community for digital creatives, these endeavors led me to unexpected opportunities and, eventually, my own thriving business.
A Decade of Transformation
Looking back, it’s incredible to see how far I’ve come since moving to Spain. The woman who once doubted her ability to build the life she wanted now runs a successful business and has discovered passions and a sense of self she could never have accessed in America.
About Cepee Tabibian
Cepee Tabibian is the founder of She Hit Refresh, a community for women over 30 who want to live abroad. She is also the author of I’m Outta Here! An American’s Ultimate Visa Guide to Living in Europe. As a daughter of Colombian and Iranian immigrants, Cepee grew up in Houston, Texas, and is now an immigrant herself in Spain.