Welcome to the introductory episode of Nomadic Diaries, The Belonging Project hosted by Doreen Cumberford. Doreen reflects on two years of conversations with guests e.g. cross-cultural trainers, writers, therapists, and ordinary people who have lived abroad and returned or moved elsewhere. No matter the topic, discussions lead back to one fundamental question:
Where do I belong?
Key Topics & Themes
- The Belonging Project:
Doreen launches a series exploring belonging, inspired by recurring themes from previous episodes. - Belonging as an Active Process:
It's not passive. True belonging means making life welcome—actively participating, saying yes to new experiences, staying curious, and stepping outside familiar bubbles. - Global Perspectives:
Perspectives from international teachers, third culture kids (TCKs), academics, and artists will appear in future episodes. There is a focus on how belonging varies depending on passport, heart, and lived experience, not just geographical location. - Home vs. Belonging:
Doreen raises thought-provoking questions: Are home and belonging the same? Can you have one without the other? What does belonging look like for you personally? - Personal Journeys:
Both Doreen and her co-host, Megan Norton Newbanks (author of Belonging Beyond Borders), bring personal experience to the subject.
Notable Quotes
- “Belonging doesn’t always look the way we think it will. Sometimes it’s not just about finding your tribe - it’s about shared activity, space, or connection.”
- “Making life welcome helps us belong. It’s not passive, it’s an active topic.”
- “Home can be everywhere and nowhere at the same time and just learning to be okay with that paradox is important"
Takeaways
- Belonging is a deeply human need, crossing borders and cultures.
- Creating belonging requires stepping out of comfort zones and proactively engaging with new environments.
- The podcast series will feature a diverse range of stories, perspectives, and insights from global citizens.
- Listeners are invited to reflect on their own journey toward belonging.
What’s Next?
The next episode will introduce Megan Norton Newbanks, who will share what belonging means to her - from a TCK perspective - and the hopes she and Doreen have for the series.
Home is Where Your Story Crosses Borders!
We aim to inspire expat solutions, by helping you navigate global living with ease and grace.
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