#87 Creating a Life for Yourself

#87 Creating a Life for Yourself

From Holding the Fort Abroad by Rhoda Bangerter

January 26, 2026 · 37 min · Season 1 · Episode 87

About this episode

Margaret Ghielmetti shares her journey of creating a life for herself while navigating the challenges of being home alone as her husband travels.

Another episode from the Top Five most listened episodes. This conversation is with Margaret Ghielmetti. Margaret knows what it is like to be home alone when she thought she was moving abroad with her husband and not moving abroad waiting for her husband to come home. She talks about her journey from thinking she would be fine to the reality she encountered to finally being open about needing help and creating a life for herself on her own terms. In this Episode: The metaphorical life handbook we receive from our families. Why Margaret was surprised by the effect of her husband’s travelling although she (thought she) knew what she had signed up for. Supporting each other when not in the same place. Expressing your needs. Sharing the blessing of allowing others to help us. Stop saying ‘I’m fine’. Deciding non-negotiables for you! Keeping soft boundaries. Casting a wide net. Feeling lonely when you feel you should be feeling lucky. Contact Margaret: ‘Bravi(ish): A Memoir of a Recovering Perfectionist’ www.margaretghielmetti.com

People in this episode

Host: Rhoda Bangerter

Guest: Margaret Ghielmetti

Topics covered

  • personal growth
  • relationships
  • expat life
  • mental health
  • support systems

Keywords

  • expat
  • loneliness
  • support
  • boundaries
  • self-care

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Bravi(ish): A Memoir of a Recovering Perfectionist

More episodes of Holding the Fort Abroad

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Holding the Fort Abroad podcast page.