Making the decision to move to Lisbon was no small choice. It’s a huge life change, one that took a lot of reflection and, honestly, a leap of faith. But what’s really brought me here goes beyond just a change of scenery—it’s about health. And I don’t mean the kind of health that’s just about weight training or the physical aspect we often hear about.
Over the last 10 years of coaching, I’ve learned that true health is so much more than lifting weights and tracking macros. While those things are part of the equation, the most profound part of our well-being is often the mental and emotional side of training. In fact, that’s where the hardest work happens. The way we think about ourselves, our mindset, and the choices we make every single day have an enormous impact on our overall health and happiness.
For most people, this is the area that trips them up. It’s the mental aspect of training—staying motivated, overcoming self-doubt, pushing through limiting beliefs—that truly determines how far we can go. And I’ve seen time and time again how it’s not the body that’s holding people back, but the mind.
This realization is a big part of why I decided to make such a bold move. I wasn’t just searching for better weather or a change of pace—I was looking for a space that would nurture all aspects of me. I want to be the kind of person who can live fully, in alignment with who I am at my core. It’s about being in a place that feeds my soul and supports my mental well-being. Because when we’re fulfilled and living in alignment with our values, that’s the greatest thing we can do for our health.
You see, health isn’t just about what’s happening on the surface; it’s about how you feel inside. It’s about doing the hard work of looking at yourself, asking the tough questions, and really reflecting on what you need to live your life in a way that feels true to you.
A lot of people say the grass is always greener on the other side, but I don’t believe that’s true. The grass isn’t greener in Lisbon, but it is better for my well-being right now. It’s a space that feels right for where I am in my life and where I want to go. It gives me the clarity to see my future more clearly, to approach my health in a more holistic way, and to build a life that feels deeply fulfilling.
At the end of the day, health isn’t just about what you eat or how much you exercise—it’s about living in a way that makes you feel whole. And sometimes, that means making big changes, challenging yourself to grow, and putting yourself in environments that support that growth.
So if there’s one thing I hope you take from this, it’s this: Your life is a reflection of the choices you make. If something isn’t aligning with your values, your mental health, or your happiness—don’t be afraid to make a change. Ask yourself the hard questions. And remember that living in alignment with who you truly are is the best thing you can do for your health.
And also, for a super cool Portuguese boyfriend.
