This story is based on an interview with Kati Gyselinck, 65, a life coach who lives in Athens, Greece. It has been edited for length and clarity.
I arrived at Athens International Airport in October 2023 with nothing but a suitcase full of clothes.
Then I took a taxi to the Airbnb, which was supposed to be my home while I began my new life abroad. My first impressions weren’t great. The place seemed dark, and there was no balcony.
A few nights later, I got up to use the bathroom and kicked my big toe against the bed. The whole nail came off, and the pain was bad.
I wondered if I’d made a mistake
There was no way I could find a pharmacy at that time. Nor did I have anyone to call. It brought home to me the leap of faith I’d taken to move to another country.
“Did I make a mistake?” I thought. I felt sorry for myself because I was alone. I cried my eyes out for hours.
My departure from my house in Israel, which coincided with a divorce, wasn’t something I’d meticulously planned.
Nevertheless, I needed a new direction. My three kids were adults, leading their own lives. I’d been a homemaker for 27 years. It had reached the point where it was pretty much, “Hi Mom, Bye Mom,” as they rushed in and out of the door.
I was dedicated to being a wife and mother
Yes, raising beautiful children was an accomplishment. Yet, I couldn’t help thinking that I hadn’t gotten much to show for myself.
I’d been dedicated to the role of wife and mother since leaving my job as a mortgage consultant when my son was born.
It wasn’t as if I didn’t enjoy being with the kids. I’d waited until 34 to have my first baby, feeling so much love, and didn’t mind staying at home without a nanny.
My husband was a successful businessman, and our finances were secure. Despite that, I found it hard to no longer have my own stream of income.
The years went by, and I hit 62. Things had been building up for a while. I had a heavy feeling in my chest because I wasn’t where I wanted to be. I had material things like a big car, but I was convinced I could be happier with a lot less.
I thought about staying for a few more years, until my youngest was in her mid-20s, but by then I’d be 67 or 68. Almost on the spur of the moment, I opted for a fresh start in Athens.
I walked 6 miles a day
I’ve loved Greece ever since I went on a cruise off the coast. The people are very friendly. And it’s an easy flight from Tel Aviv. My kids can visit me within a day of travel.
Still, it took me almost a year to find my feet. The night when I hurt my toe wasn’t the only time I wondered if I’d done the right thing.
One of the issues was not finding an Airbnb that I was comfortable in. I didn’t like living with other people’s furnishings, when I was used to choosing my own.
Rather than stay home, I’d walk for hours, exploring the neighborhoods. I clocked five or six miles a day on my Apple Watch.
I deliberately chose a big city because, as a single woman, it seemed it would be easier to make friends. Slowly, but surely, I found people I wanted to hang out with, including a couple I met in a café.
One of the guys lived in the Athens Riviera, about 25 miles south. He knew I wasn’t 100% OK in the city, and suggested I check out some properties near him.
In December, 2024, I rented a 1,300 square foot, three-bedroom apartment, a few minutes’ walk from the shore. It wasn’t furnished, and I transformed it to my taste. I bought a compact Fiat 500.
Food is fresh here
Downsizing did me good, as I’d suspected. I had never been one to chase designer bags or anything like that, but I developed an appreciation of the simpler things.
I swam in the ocean every morning, then sat on my balcony surrounded by lemon trees, drinking an espresso. Those moments were precious to me.
One of my favorite activities is checking out the farmers market around the corner. Food is fresh here and reasonably priced. A little over two pounds of tomatoes costs less than $2.
I’ve met people through people and joined a few Facebook groups. We’ll get together for drinks or a meal, and once, ravioli-making.
Last month, I hired a tutor to teach me Greek. It’s complicated because there are 10 different words for everything. I told her that I wanted to at least follow the conversation with my Greek friends.
I recently launched my life coaching business for over-55s after writing about my journey on Instagram. Women message me, asking how I did what I did.
Expand your horizons
They include divorcees, widows, or stay-at-home moms who crave some personal space. Many are afraid to travel solo or even to eat dinner alone in a restaurant.
You don’t have to make a big change. I’m not telling my clients or my followers to blow up their marriages, pack their belongings, and move to Greece.
I encourage them to expand their horizons. You might take baby steps with a weekend away on your own. It’s good to experiment. If you don’t like it, you can always come home.
Older women can cultivate and cherish themselves in whatever way they choose.
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