The Unexpected Life Abroad: How Travel Transformed My Perspective on Parenthood

This is the story of Helene Sula, a travel blogger and author, who found her passion for exploring the world led her to a different life path than the one she had always envisioned. As Helene and her husband, Michael, immersed themselves in different cultures and experiences abroad, she came to the realization that the traditional American dream of marriage, a house, and children was not necessarily her own dream. This is a thoughtful and introspective account of how Helene's journey of self-discovery empowered her to embrace an unconventional life abroad and make the conscious choice to not have children.

An Unconventional Life Abroad Inspires a Profound Shift in Perspective

Embracing a New Dream of Exploration and Adventure

Helene Sula always assumed she would follow the standard American dream - get married, buy a house, and have two children. As a high school student, she and her future husband, Michael, even discussed their plans for the future, with both of them envisioning the picket-fence lifestyle. However, as Helene and Michael's relationship blossomed and they began traveling the world together, Helene's perspective started to shift. The freedom and excitement of life abroad sparked a new dream within her - a dream not of domestic stability, but of exploration and adventure.In 2011, Helene started a travel blog called "Helene In Between," which enabled her and Michael to move abroad, first to Heidelberg, Germany, and then later to Oxford, England. As the blog grew and their travel lifestyle became more established, Helene found herself increasingly uncertain about the path of parenthood. She realized that her passions and aspirations no longer aligned with the traditional vision of marriage, home, and children that she had always assumed was her destiny.

Discovering an Unconventional, Yet Fulfilling, Life Path

Helene's friends and loved ones had already started families, and she witnessed firsthand the joys and challenges of parenthood. While she admired her friends' journeys and recognized the profound beauty of raising children, Helene also came to understand that it was not the right path for her. The selfless nature of motherhood and the immense responsibility required gave her pause, and she began to question whether she truly had the maternal instinct and desire to take on that role.As Helene and Michael continued to explore the world, she found herself increasingly content and fulfilled by their unconventional life abroad. The flexibility of their travel-focused careers allowed them to embrace a lifestyle that revolved around experiences, personal growth, and the pursuit of their passions. Helene realized that her dreams and aspirations were equally worthy and meaningful, even if they did not align with the societal norms of marriage and family.

Embracing the Uncertainty and Building a Secure Future

Helene's decision to forgo parenthood was not an easy one, and she acknowledges the societal pressures and expectations that often come with being a woman of childbearing age. People would frequently ask her about her plans for starting a family, and she found herself needing to defend her choice. However, Helene remained steadfast in her conviction, recognizing that the path to fulfillment is not the same for everyone.To ensure her and Michael's financial security in their later years, Helene has made a conscious effort to plan for the future, setting aside savings and making provisions for their retirement. She understands that relying on children to care for their aging parents is not a reliable or fair expectation, and she has taken responsibility for her own well-being.Ultimately, Helene's journey has been one of self-discovery and the courage to embrace an unconventional life. By allowing her passions and desires to guide her, she has found a deep sense of satisfaction and purpose in her travel-focused lifestyle, free from the constraints of societal expectations. Her story serves as a poignant reminder that the "American dream" is not a one-size-fits-all blueprint, and that true fulfillment often lies in the courage to forge our own unique paths.