NZ - has it changed you?

[ShellBda]

Not to worry MB, I am well aware of what may or most likely not be available and I keep adding to the list. Honestly, those are things I can get used to and really will have no bearing on my happiness.

[Dawn]

As I believe I've mentioned before, I'm looking for more positivity, more pro-activism, people who will help you to look for solutions and not place hurdles in your way. Everything in the UK is doom and gloom, everybody is always throwing reasons at you why you shouldn't be doing what you're doing or can't do what you want to do instead of finding ways to make it happen. It absolutely wears me out. I've heard that NZers are much more willing to give peeps a chance, that turns me on. Let's all give each other more chances and a bit more benefit of the doubt. Everyone deserves a chance to come through. The UK likes to squash people before they've even tried.
I don't think it'll change us - I don't want to change I'm happy being me - I've worked hard at making sure my kids are happy in their skins but I think the NZ way of life will 'fit' us well. I think we will learn a lot, I think we'll grow a lot and I hope we'll have lots more fun. Life is just too serious here!!

[Laura]

We have been here for 8 months now and I don't think that it has changed us. I do know that we spend more quality time together as a family here - which is probably the main reason we came.
My two young daughters look so much healthier, probably because we spend so much time outdoors now. My eldest daughter is much happier at school here and seems to have gained a lot of self confidence which is great
When my mum visited us earlier in the year, she commented that we all seemed much more laid back! I don't know if thats true, but I do know that we are all very happy here- and thats the most important thing I guess.

[nick_and_jacky]

Well MB the answer is resounding yes.

We dont "do" road rage anymore, even though the standard of driving in NZ is pretty poor. As a family we are alot more relaxed - kids friendlier and happier. Jacky and I alot happier, not that we were unhappy in the UK.

Much much much much more chilled. It must be something in the water. But very little bothers us anymore. Not that we are we are more careless, more care free. Kiwi time seems to run just that bit slower.

Nothing is a hassle anymore, its much easier with just a shrug of the shoulders and a "she'll be right" attitude. So far this mentality hasnt let us down.

Its all very refreshing, feeling this way!!

cheers

Nick

[Bermy Girl]

I have yet to find out the answer to this question, however I hope that it doesn't change me, as I am very happy with who I am today. I just hope I will have a better way of life without the stress that I live with here on a day to day basis. I know when I am in NZ for any length of time I have always been very relaxed and happy because I don't have to deal with any bad attitudes or a constant feeling of being uncomfortable in my own skin. There is a large racial divide in Bermuda these days, which was not always the case. I grew up here and we had a society that was very colour blind, it was idealic. Things have changed drastically since those days for the worst with a large drug problem, as well as a Government that constantly pushes the racial divide for their own benefit. So, NZ will be a welcome change where I can live in peace without constantly being judged for the colour of my skin. I can't wait! I want my son to grow-up unencumbered by racism and prejudice with a good work ethic, virtually impossible in Bermuda these days. That's not to say that NZ is perfect, I'm aware of that, but it's a hell of a lot better in my experience then Bermuda.

Here's to living a more relaxed lifestyle!