Gratitude Buddies

Journal for Expats Missing "Home":

30 Days of Prompts to Find Comfort, Connection, and Small Joys — Wherever You Are

Living far from home is a bittersweet experience. The excitement of new places often mingles with moments of loneliness, culture shock, and an aching sense of disconnection. For many expats, “home” becomes not just a place but a feeling that can feel elusive.

In fact, a 2024 report by AXA Global Healthcare revealed that 80% of expatriate employees experience negative mental health symptoms due to their working environment, with nearly half (49%) reporting job-related burnout. These challenges are compounded by feelings of loneliness and disconnection, making the expat experience both rewarding and emotionally complex.

That's where the Gratitude Buddies Journal for Expats comes in.

This isn't just another journal; it's a compassionate companion designed to help you navigate the highs and lows of life abroad. With 30 thoughtfully crafted prompts, this journal encourages you to pause, reflect, and reconnect with yourself, fostering a sense of belonging and mindfulness in your daily life.

WhyThis Journal?

  • Realistic and Compassionate: Each of the 30 prompts acknowledges the complexities of being away from home — the good, the hard, and the in-between.

  • Comfort in Small Joys: The journal guides you to notice little moments that ground you — a smile from a stranger, a favorite local food, a morning sunrise.

  • Connection, Near or Far: Prompts encourage you to appreciate the people in your life, whether they’re thousands of miles away or new friends in your current city.

  • Self-Awareness and Growth: Thoughtful reflections help you explore how you’ve changed, adapted, and grown through this journey.

You can move through the journal at your own pace. Some days, you might write alone. Other times, sharing your reflections with a Gratitude Buddy — a friend, family member, or fellow expat — can bring added comfort and connection.

Why Journaling Helps During Transitions

Research shows that journaling can reduce stress and improve emotional wellbeing (source: American Psychological Association), making it a powerful tool for anyone navigating life changes like moving abroad.

When you’re living between places, your internal world can feel just as unsettled as your external one. Journaling offers a safe space to process complex emotions, reduce stress, and build resilience.

Instead of trying to push away homesickness or discomfort, this practice invites you to hold it gently, alongside moments of gratitude and hope. It’s a way to make sense of your journey and find steady ground within yourself.

Support Beyond the Journal

GratitudeBuddies.com offers tools to support your practice. When you purchase the journal, you can access guided meditations and a place to find a Gratitude Buddy. These extras help you deepen your connection and find community, even when you’re far from home.