Phoebe's Snowbird Journey

25/03/2025

Last weekend, I heard a mom share a story that has stayed with me ever since. Her teenage child, diagnosed with autism at the age of two, had accidentally damaged her neighbor’s brand-new car. As she shared the story, I didn’t see sadness, anger, or frustration in her face. Instead, I saw a woman who has learned to face life’s challenges with grace, strength, and a smile.

She told me that, at first, she often asked, “Why me?” But with time and reflection, she now believes these struggles are part of a greater lesson. She trusts that there’s a purpose behind everything, even if it's not always clear right away. Each day is unpredictable with her child’s behavior, but she’s learned to accept it and find peace in the midst of the chaos.

As someone who has faced his or her own challenges, I can’t help but reflect on how we all go through tough times—whether it’s health, family, or life itself. Sometimes, it feels like we have no control over our circumstances. But what we do have control over is how we respond. We can choose our attitude, how we live in the present, and how we bring our best selves to each moment.

So, let’s remember this: no matter how hard things get, we can choose to face them with grace, love, and faith. We may not always have the answers, but we can trust that, in time, we’ll find the strength we need to keep moving forward. 💙

Photo taken by : 汪忠信攝影師

16/03/2025

Recently, the sudden passing of the famous Taiwanese celebrity, "大S," in Japan during the New Year has sent shockwaves through Taiwanese society. It has sparked widespread reflection on three significant aspects of life: "life and death", "health", and "wealth".

This brings to mind the rising global trend of "FIRE" (Financial Independence, Retire Early). FIRE has become a highly sought-after goal for many young people, and even middle-aged individuals, today. It seems simple—save aggressively and invest smartly to achieve early retirement and live life on your own terms.

But is this really a goal worth dedicating every ounce of effort to?

In my clinical practice, patients often share their life stories with me, and more often than not, the answer to this question is far more complex than it seems. When faced with the reality of life and death, how do we find true happiness and balance in our brief existence?
In our pursuit of wealth, in the quest for FIRE, are we overlooking the more essential assets—our health and the present moment?

Read the full article in my latest column （Written in Tranditional Chinese version)👉 https://lnkd.in/gtm-AySs

🌟 Find this helpful? 🌟

If you found this information useful, please don't forget to like, share, and follow me at Phoebe's Snowbird Journey in Taiwan for more updates and tips! 🌍✈️

👉 Thinking about moving to Asia for work, retirement, or any other reason? I’d love to help you navigate your journey! Reach out for a FREE consultation today.

Let’s make your dream move a reality! 🌟

#從嘉到加何以為家

14/03/2025

🌟🏆 Taiwan’s Pride Shines Bright! 🌟

Huge congratulations to the incredible Tommy Chen for making history as the first Asian athlete to conquer the 6633 Arctic Ultra – the world’s toughest ultra race! ❄️💪
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h3u_f1WD4qw

Tommy braved a punishing 617 km ice course, facing temperatures as low as -50°C, and completed the entire journey in just under eight days! 🌨️🔥

This is especially remarkable considering the average temperature in Asia stays well above 15°C even in winter. Tommy’s strength, determination, and grit are truly inspiring! 🇹🇼✨

Photo resource from : https://trackleaders.com/

13/03/2025

When I first read Why Travel Matters by Craig Storti, one line hit me hard: “One of the first differences a traveler notices is the landscape… Gazing at the foreign scenery rushing past the window, they see another landscape in their mind—the one from home.”
It’s so true. Moving to Canada, I’ve lived that duality—and learned how much mindset shapes the experience.

Before coming here, sub-zero temperatures were unimaginable to me. I used to think, “Who would willingly step outside in that cold unless forced?”
I knew people climbed rocks, but it wasn’t until I arrived that I saw folks ice climbing. It was wild.

Years later, I’ve become one of those people I couldn’t understand.
I strap on crampons and climb icy trails, one deliberate step at a time. I gear up for hours of ice fishing on frozen lakes, hooked on the stillness.
I’ve even skied all day at Lake Louise in minus-30-something weather, grinning through the chill.

The Canadian winter hasn’t softened—still brutal, still endless—but my perspective has. I stopped fighting it and started embracing it.
Now, I can throw my ski gear in the car and hit a skin hill at Olympic Park in 20 minutes, spending the day on the slopes. The environment didn’t change; I did.

To my fellow dreamers—digital nomads plotting a borderless career or anyone considering a move—here’s my take: you don’t have to bend the world to fit you. Bend yourself to meet it. Open your heart to the unfamiliar, and what once seemed intimidating might just become your next chapter.

Happiness isn’t about perfect conditions—it’s about how you choose to face them.

What’s one shift you’re wrestling with in your plans?
It could be the start of something incredible.

🌟 Find this helpful? 🌟

If you found this information useful, please don't forget to like, share, and follow me at Phoebe's Snowbird Journey in Taiwan for more updates and tips! 🌍✈️

👉 Thinking about moving to Asia for work, retirement, or any other reason? I’d love to help you navigate your journey! Reach out for a FREE consultation today.

Let’s make your dream move a reality! 🌟

07/03/2025

《The Power of Perspective in Life and Work》

Lately, I’ve been reflecting on how deeply our personal experiences shape the way we see the world.
Growing up, I often thought the songs and movies from my era—like the film You Are the Apple of My Eye—carried a depth that today’s hits couldn’t match.
Yet, when I discussed this with my younger sister, she connected more with Our Times, a movie tied to her own teenage years.
It hit me: our preferences, interpretations, and even emotions are woven from the fabric of our upbringing, family, and life stories.

This realization extends far beyond nostalgia.
Over the years, I’ve been privileged to have friends and patients trust me with their challenges.
Through these interactions, I’ve come to see that empathy isn’t about fully understanding someone else’s pain—because how could we, without living their entire journey?
Instead, it’s about offering quiet support, a steady presence, or simply the reassurance that “I’m here.” Sometimes, the most powerful care comes not in words, but in silence.

One encounter that stays with me is a resident who grew frustrated when we suggested discarding nearly empty lotion bottles. Despite our explanations, she’d react strongly—until I learned she’d cut them open to use every last drop, stretching it for another week. Her family later shared that she grew up in hardship, taught by her mother to “never waste.”
That moment was a quiet lesson: behind every behavior is a story we might not see.

In both personal relationships and my clinical work, I’ve learned a guiding principle: Don’t impose your own lens on someone else’s reality.

Our frameworks—shaped by childhood, struggles, and triumphs—are unique. As I wrote to a friend feeling low today: “As an observer, it’s easy to wonder why someone stays stuck. But as a friend, I don’t judge—because I haven’t walked in your shoes.”

This mindset has transformed how I connect with others, whether supporting a friend or caring for a resident.

It’s a reminder that understanding starts with humility, and true connection comes from honoring the unseen stories that make us who we are.

How do you approach understanding the perspectives of those around you?
Please share your perspective with us.

04/03/2025

📮 Reader's Question: How to Get Hired as a Foreigner When Working Abroad?
Many of you might have faced similar questions. Here are the 3 essential skills you need when working abroad.

💡 Reposition Yourself and Let Go of the "Foreigner" Mentality
The first core skill is to "Reposition Yourself." This goes beyond just adapting to a new culture; it’s about adjusting your mindset. If you don't want others to view you as a "foreigner," start by seeing yourself as a "local."

Additionally, it's vital to challenge any stereotypes you may hold about others. Cultivating cultural intelligence—recognizing that no culture is superior to another, shedding biases, and learning to listen and respect—is key to finding balance and excelling in diverse work environments.

💡 Expertise is Key, but Having "Additional Skills" Sets You Apart
If we reframe your question to: "In the same field, how can I stand out and showcase my unique expertise?"
The answer is clear: professional competence is always your core strength.

However, in a competitive global job market, expertise alone isn’t enough. A breakthrough often comes from adding complementary skills outside of your core field and leveraging those to create value and increase visibility.
It’s about stepping out of your comfort zone and using past experiences and skills in new and more effective ways.

💡 Market Yourself and Build Your Network to Increase Visibility
Many people from Asia working in North America experience a cultural shock regarding "humility," which we’re often taught from a young age.
In Asia, if you rate your performance as excellent, supervisors may see you as "overconfident," "prideful," or lacking humility. However, in North American workplaces, remaining silent and failing to promote your work can hinder your career growth. Often, "speaking up" is just as important as "doing the work."

But ⋯the most important takeaway is: Before crossing borders, understand your purpose for going to that country and what you hope to achieve.

By researching the local culture, work environment, values, and industry demands, you’ll be able to adjust youbehavior and performance to succeed in an international career.

19/02/2025

"Mom, where will you live after retirement?"

That day, my child asked me this question, and it made me start thinking: would I choose to move after I retire?

Moving is not unfamiliar to me. Since graduating from university, I’ve moved 10 times, and as you may know, I moved from Taiwan to Canada. Moving is never easy; each time, there’s a pile of things to organize, a new environment to adapt to. These experiences have gradually helped me realize: many things are just possessions. Those boxes I’ve kept for years no longer seem as important.

What matters most is whether the place I live in makes me feel comfortable and at ease, and whether it meets my needs after retirement.

Imagine what life after retirement would be like. Perhaps it’s living by the sea, or enjoying lovely afternoons with grandchildren. Maybe it’s embracing the simple life of a gardener, self-sustaining in a rural setting, or leading a snowbird lifestyle, moving with the seasons.

These dreams sound beautiful, but life after retirement is not just about dreams—it’s closely tied to where we choose to live.

In fact, moving after retirement is something worth considering. Some might choose to move to a more affordable location to reduce taxes or unlock home equity. Others may prefer to stay in familiar surroundings, enjoying the stability of life. The key question behind these choices is: Does the quality of life in this place meet our needs? Does it allow us to feel at ease every day?

So when thinking about whether to move after retirement, the most important factor is the quality of life—whether we can find the lifestyle that suits us best. Whether we stay in the home we know or move to a new place, the ultimate goal is to live happier and more comfortably.

Would you choose to stay in your familiar home, or move somewhere new to enjoy your retirement? Let’s chat about your thoughts!

🌐 Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan

30/10/2024

🌟 Through our team's experiences, we recognize that life can often take unexpected turns, leaving many feeling as though they have limited choices. Supporting individuals on their final journeys has shown us that the dreams we hold for our golden years don’t always come to fruition.

Illnesses such as cancer, dementia, and other unforeseen challenges can profoundly impact lives. Through nursing experiences caring for elders, especially those battling Alzheimer’s and dementia, we learned that our focus isn’t always on curing, but on providing comfort and dignity in their remaining days.

While some aspects of life are beyond our control, many opportunities for choice and happiness remain. As a wise perspective reminds us, “Appreciating each moment of happiness and choice is a culmination of past efforts.”

We encourage our community to invest in their well-being, create fulfilling experiences, and embrace the choices available to them. Together, let’s make the most of every moment. 💖

16/10/2024

🌟 Embracing the Power of Presence 🌟

"In a world where the greatest comfort often comes from simply 'showing up and being present,' I’ve learned that the most profound support often lies in quiet companionship."

Our dear partner, Phoebe, beautifully captures the essence of human connection in her latest article on Crossing. Through her years of clinical care, she has witnessed the depth of struggle and the resilience of the human spirit.

As we navigate the journey of life together, let’s remember the importance of kindness and the impact of simply being there for one another. Each fleeting moment offers us a chance to uplift and support, reminding us of our shared humanity.

As we approach the final notes of our life’s symphony, how will you compose your own melody? 🎶

We invite you to read Phoebe's heartfelt reflections in 《你會如何譜寫自己的生命終章？臨床照護職涯中 3 個難忘故事，帶給我的智慧與療癒》 (Traditional Chinese edition).

👉 [https://crossing.cw.com.tw/article/19330]

Together, let’s create a tapestry of positivity and warmth. 💖

Photo taken by：汪忠信攝影師

03/10/2024

🌟 From Symptoms to Solutions: My Allergy Journey 🌟

Since the pandemic, I’ve faced increasingly severe allergy symptoms, particularly hives. I experience discomfort at least three times a week, which has been quite distressing. Initially, I wondered if the COVID-19 vaccine was to blame. Despite discussing my issues multiple times with my family doctor, I was unable to get allergy testing because my symptoms weren’t life-threatening. Although I didn’t have breathing difficulties, my allergies significantly impacted my daily life, leading to discomfort, poor sleep quality, and drowsiness from the medication.

I noticed that the healthcare system in Alberta often overlooks preventive medicine. My doctor was reluctant to order tests for non-urgent issues. As a result, I was prescribed long-term antihistamines to manage my symptoms, but I gradually gained weight despite not making major changes to my diet or exercise.

After six months on the medication, I attempted to taper off and eventually stop, only to have my symptoms return, which left me frustrated. During a trip to Taiwan, I took the opportunity to undergo comprehensive allergy testing and discovered a high sensitivity to egg whites. Looking back, I realized I had been consuming a lot of eggs and protein supplements since I started working out a few years ago.

Now back in Canada, I’ve changed my diet to avoid egg whites, sticking to egg yolks (which my family loves). This shift has lasted nearly six months, allowing me to stop taking antihistamines altogether! The only times I’ve experienced allergies since were due to overly spicy foods, and I’ve successfully managed my weight.

This journey has taught me that we often focus on alleviating symptoms without addressing the underlying causes, leading to temporary relief rather than permanent solutions. This applies to both health and work: identifying the root of a problem is essential for effective resolution.

Maintaining health should prioritize prevention over treatment. However, many countries, due to limited resources, still emphasize treatment over prevention, which is certainly counterproductive.

If you're interested in exploring medical tourism to Taiwan, feel free to reach out! ✨

Photo taken by 汪忠信攝影師

01/10/2024

“Currently, digital nomads typically enter Taiwan through visa-free entry or a tourist visa, allowing them to stay for up to three months. With other Asian countries offering similar digital nomad visas this year, Liu said Taiwan is hoping to act swiftly to attract this wave of talent.

Taiwan to launch "Digital Nomad Visa"👇
https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/news/5939309

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The government is planning a new visa that enables digital nomads to stay in Taiwan for up to six months.