From growing up in Spain to building a life and business here, Patricia Bergström understands both the beauty and the challenges of living abroad. With a passion for language, culture and wellbeing, Patricia’s now helping others unlock their potential through coaching while cherishing family, community and nature. Read her story.
Why Spain?
My parents decided to move to Gran Canaria from Sweden for health reasons when I was 4 years old, so I have actually grown up here. I did however leave Spain to study in the UK, France and Switzerland but at age 26 I decided to come back to Gran Canaria and have been here ever since. I’m happily married to a Canarian and we have a lovely daughter who turned 23 in June.
Gran Canaria is a miniature continent and so much more than just beaches and sunshine.
What was the biggest challenge for your move?
As I grew up here, I didn’t really face the same challenges that people who move as adults.
Do you have any advice for Women thinking about making the move?
Travelling is one thing. Living and working in a different country to your homeland is quite another and it broadens your perspectives and mindset.
Before moving, I would suggest that you do your research on the level of language you will be needing and start lessons to have a working knowledge of Spanish. This will give you more confidence and help you integrate into the local community.
I would also suggest you check out if you are eligible for free healthcare and if so, what paperwork you need to bring/carry out.
The obvious must is checking out the housing situation and what you need to do to work in Spain. This can be region specific so make sure you tailor you research to where you are planning to move.
How do you spend your time in Spain?
I love spending time with my family and friends. My free time is usually spent reading, taking walks in nature, practicing Mindfulness and QiGong, or watching series on Netflix.
Until recently we had a horse that I loved spending time with them too, but he sadly crossed the rainbow bridge earlier this year.
My husband coaches as a local basketball club and my daughter plays there too, so basketball is another component of our life.
I’ve recently joined the local Rotary club that I have been collaborating with for years and we meet up once a week.
Professionally, after 26+ years in teaching, I have just transitioned out of the school classroom and started my own business again, Effective Learning for Life, to be able to focus on offering a more personalised service for people and businesses who want to learn languages effectively in a brain-friendly way through Neurolanguage Coaching; who want to unlock their full potential in leadership and emotional wellbeing through Transformational Coaching; and/or need to gain awareness on how to bridge the cultural gap for improved communication and understanding through Cultural Awareness Coaching.
This career shift has also meant that I can finally join the local Costa Women meetings, which has been lovely.
What is something spectacular you would like to achieve in just one day?
Help people grow and find balance in their life.
Something you are grateful for?
I am grateful for so many things, people, opportunities in my life, in particular for my family backing my decision to leave the safety of a stable job to pursue my professional dreams, and always being there for me.
I have achieved a lot in my life and will hopefully achieve a lot more in this next chapter.
To name a few, I’m a Project Officer on the UN SDSN Global Schools Program Education team, and through this I work with hundreds of educators around the world, helping them integrate Education for Sustainable Development in their classrooms, schools and communities.
I’ve also helped improve the mental health and wellbeing in the schools I’ve worked in and Coordinating the IBPD and founding my own business are two more.
I am very lucky to have had the opportunities to achieve so much already.
I’m also proud of the personal development and self awareness I have carried out to improve my own emotional wellbeing, which obviously continues as it is an everlasting and ongoing process.
My most amazing achievement however, if it can be called an achievement, and the one I am most grateful for, is my family and in particular the amazing person my daughter is.
Who would be at your special dinner party?
My favourite people are those I have around me and love: My family and friends who are family. Those would be the guests of honour without doubt!
If I would organise a dinner party with people outside my family and friends, I would love to have a chat with historical changemakers like Jane Goodall, Martin Luther King, Nelson Mandela, and some of my favourite authors.
What’s your secret weapon?
I read people’s emotional state very accurately.
What is one mantra you live by?
“Pase lo que pase, todo perfecto” which means “whatever happens, everything is perfect”. This means that whatever happens is exactly how it should be.
One thing you had to bring to Spain and could never give away?
My green teddy bear! As we moved when I was very little, this teddy bear was my companion on this adventure that literally shaped my life.
Do you have a favourite book?
Braiding Sweetgrass and The secret life of trees. They go beyond the letters on the page and touch the soul.
Something you would tell your younger self?
“Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and freedom” Viktor Frankl.
And I would stress how fragile and short life is, so take advantage of the time you have with those you love. Perhaps I would also add: Trust the journey!
Thank you Patricia Bergström where can we find out more?
Connect with me on linkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/patricia-bergström-037649114
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