Why I’m Starting Over in Greece at 42

Some people hit a point in their lives where they crave stability. I hit a point where I craved a reset.

For years, I built a life I thought I was “supposed” to have. A busy city schedule, a chef career that had me cooking for pro athletes & celebrities & a house full of stuff I barely had time to enjoy. From the outside, it looked successful. But inside, I felt restless — like my life no longer fit the person I was becoming.

So I made the decision: I’m moving to Crete, Greece.

🌿 Why Greece?

It’s in my blood — my parents are Greek. I grew up with the food, the music, the Orthodox traditions, the stories about the villages. But more than heritage, Greece represents the kind of life I want now: slower, intentional, deeply rooted in community and nature.

• I want to wake up to the sound of the sea, not sirens.

• I want to eat food that came from the garden down the road, not a factory.

• I want to measure success in sunsets, not spreadsheets.

🐶 Bringing Bubba Along

I’m not going alone — my Maltese sidekick Bubba is coming, too. That adds a whole other layer of logistics (EU health certificates, airline rules, crates that meet EU standards). But it also makes the move feel less scary. He’s my constant reminder that adventure is always better when you share it.

✈️ Starting Over at 42

It’s equal parts terrifying & thrilling to reinvent your life at this age. People tell me I’m “brave,” but I don’t feel brave. I feel curious. I feel ready. And honestly, I feel like I don’t want to waste another decade living on autopilot.

This Substack will be where I share everything:

• The real process of moving abroad (the paperwork, the checklists, the stress).

• The recipes that remind me of home (both Greek classics & my own chef hacks).

• The small moments of beauty in this next chapter (sunsets, community, traditions).

• And the lessons of what it’s like to completely start over.

💌 Why Subscribe?

If you’ve ever dreamed of a reset… if you’ve ever wondered what it takes to move abroad… if you just want to be part of someone’s story as they try something bold — you’re in the right place.

Every Tuesday, I’ll send a free story, recipe, or reflection.

Every Friday, I’ll go deeper with paid posts: guides, checklists, & behind-the-scenes tools (like how to bring your dog abroad or moving abroad master checklists).

Closing Thought

Starting over isn’t about erasing your past. It’s about honoring it, packing up the parts that matter, & carrying them into your next chapter. For me, that next chapter starts in Crete.

And I’m so glad you’re here for the ride. 💙

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This is just the beginning of my journey.

I’d love for you to come along for the ride.

Subscribe below to see behind-the-scenes updates, step by step guides to changing your life, delicious recipe & healthy lifestyle hacks!

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