New beginnings

Today was an exciting day- it was the day I sent my business plan for Nine Lives Counseling to the immigration lawyer for his review!

For those following along, I am an American getting ready to move to the Netherlands. There are all sorts of reasons to move to that amazing country, or even visit. In my situation, I am applying for a visa under the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty (DAFT). The DAFT allows Americans to live in the Netherlands and start their own businesses- like a counseling office!

The cats and I are extremely excited about the move (or, I hope they'll be excited). After the lawyer reviews and approves the business plan, he will start assembling the needed documents to submit it to the Dutch government. In the meantime, I will be looking for an apartment in the Netherlands and getting everything packed up to move. I've also been working with my veterinarian's office to get the proper paperwork in order for the cats to immigrate too.

Big life changes, like this, can be exciting but also very scary. It is important to take time to slow down and check-in with your mental health when facing a big life change. For me, I decided it was important to take some vacation time away from work this week. I'll be using this time to work on my immigration paperwork, look at apartments in Amsterdam, and make a to-do list of what needs to get done at my current apartment before I go. And, of course, I'll be spending lots of time cuddling the boys!

Please wish me luck as I get ready for this journey, and I look forward to meeting all my new clients!

-Aiden