From South Africa to Spain: Michelle Collison's Global Journey, Life Lessons, and the Mind Shift That Changed Everything

Moving abroad is more than packing bags and learning a new language. It’s a radical shift in how you see yourself, raise your children, and experience life. In a recent episode of the Expat Livin Podcast, Danielle sat down with longtime friend and fellow expat Michelle Collison to explore what it really means to leave behind the familiar and step into something completely new.

This isn’t just a conversation about visas or sunshine. It’s about the mindset behind making massive life changes. Michelle shares how she went from living what many would consider the perfect life in the United States to starting over in Spain, navigating unexpected health challenges, and launching a business rooted in purpose and transformation.

A Friendship That Began on the Beach

Before diving into her expat journey, Michelle reflects on the serendipitous moment that sparked her friendship with Danielle. It all started on a beach in southern Spain. Both women were looking for their children after summer camp when their paths literally crossed.

What began as a casual conversation between two moms quickly evolved into a deep friendship, built not only on shared experiences as mothers and professionals but also on the challenges of moving abroad and creating new lives from scratch.

Michelle recalls, “Our kids were the ones who knew we had to meet. Mine ran up to me saying, ‘Mom, you have to meet this other lady.’ And that’s how it all started.”

Michelle's Expat Journey: A Life Built Across Continents

Michelle's journey didn't begin in Spain. She and her husband Ricardo are originally from South Africa and have lived in four countries across three continents. They left South Africa in their mid-twenties, seeking adventure and opportunity. Over the years, they lived in London, then moved to Switzerland, followed by California in the United States.

They spent years building a comfortable life in the Bay Area. A successful career, a home in San Francisco, and even a vacation property in Lake Tahoe created the kind of lifestyle many dream about. But beneath the surface, something didn’t feel right.

Michelle described it as getting “sucked into the hamster wheel.” Between early work hours, long commutes, and relying on an au pair to help raise their children, they realized they were missing something essential: quality time, connection, and intentional living.

Why Spain? The Real Reasons Behind Their Decision

When it came time to make a change, Michelle and Ricardo didn’t choose Spain randomly. Their decision was grounded in three practical and deeply personal considerations:

1. A Mediterranean Lifestyle with Real Summers
After years of living in colder climates, including London and Switzerland, the family craved warmth and sunshine. They envisioned a slower pace of life, outdoor living, and year-round sunshine.

2. A Chance to Raise Multilingual Children
Language was a top priority. They wanted their kids to grow up speaking more than just English. Spanish, being one of the most widely spoken languages in the world, was a natural fit. For Michelle, raising global citizens meant giving her children tools to navigate diverse cultures, and language was a major part of that.

3. A Manageable Visa Process
Spain’s visa system, especially the non-lucrative visa, seemed accessible. After doing their research and speaking with an immigration attorney in Madrid, they decided it was the best path forward.

Lessons From a Health Crisis Abroad

One year after their arrival in Spain, Michelle’s world was turned upside down by a sudden and terrifying health event. She experienced a retinal detachment in one eye, something she had never heard of before. With no pain and no warning, her vision began fading.

Initially unsure where to go, and with little Spanish under her belt, Michelle found herself overwhelmed. She visited an optometrist, who told her to go to the emergency room immediately. Her lack of language skills, combined with confusion over the Spanish healthcare system, made the experience even more frightening.

Although she had private insurance, Michelle was directed to a public hospital, which was not covered under her plan. She spent nearly a week there before realizing she needed to start over with a private specialist. By then, some damage to her vision was irreversible.

Despite the fear and uncertainty, Michelle spoke highly of the quality of care once she found the right doctors. She learned that most physicians in Spain work across both public and private systems, meaning high-quality care is accessible once you navigate the process.

“If I could do it again, I would definitely learn the language beforehand,” she said. “Even just basic phrases could have made a huge difference.”

Building a New Life: From Recovery to Reinvention

During her recovery, Michelle turned to journaling as a way to process her experience. What started as personal reflections eventually became the foundation for something much bigger.

Her journal entries evolved into a book, and together with her husband, she launched MindShift Theory, a business dedicated to helping others understand the power of the mind. What began as a journal for her children—meant to cultivate gratitude, confidence, and self-awareness grew into a broader offering for adults as well.

Michelle now runs the business from Spain, selling journals and offering resources designed to help people reset their mindset and rediscover their sense of purpose.

“You don’t need someone else’s permission to do what lights you up,” she explained. “When you trust yourself, you unlock possibilities you never imagined.”

Parenting Abroad: Raising Kids Through Change

Michelle and Danielle also spoke candidly about the realities of parenting through major transitions. Moving abroad impacts children in different ways, especially at different ages. Michelle’s children were 8 and 11 when they arrived in Spain, and while they were excited at first, the real emotional work came after the move.

They both acknowledged that change is hard for kids but emphasized the long-term value in exposing children to challenge, culture, and diversity at a young age.

“We can’t shield our kids from everything,” Michelle said. “But we can teach them how to move through challenges with strength and grace.”

Their mutual experience has made them both advocates for raising resilient, globally minded children. As Danielle put it, “We're not raising perfect kids, we're raising prepared ones.”

The Power of Expat Friendship

One of the most emotional moments in the podcast came when Michelle spoke about the importance of community. During her medical crisis, it wasn’t just doctors who helped her. It was her expat friends. Danielle and others stepped in with food, support, and comfort during a scary time.

Michelle explained that in all the countries she’s lived, it wasn’t until she came to Spain that she felt like she had truly found her tribe. And that, more than any location or lifestyle, made the biggest difference.

“It’s not the place that makes life meaningful. It’s the people you walk it with.”

Final Reflections: The Good, the Bad, and the Unexpected

At the end of the conversation, Danielle asked Michelle to summarize the good, the bad, and the ugly of her move to Spain.

• The Good: Mornings with her husband on their balcony, sipping coffee while looking at the sea.

• The Bad: The ongoing challenge of learning a new language.

• The Ugly: Surprisingly, nothing. Michelle said there is nothing she would trade. Despite the bumps, she would choose this life again and again.

Michelle’s Advice for Future Expats

If you’re thinking about moving abroad, Michelle offered one key piece of advice:

“Don’t feel like your move has to be permanent. Give yourself permission to try it for six months. That’s when the hardest part happens, but it’s also when growth begins.”

She also reminded listeners that preparation is essential. Learn the basics of the language, research the visa process, and most importantly, build a support network.

Want More Stories Like This?

🎧 Listen to the full episode on YouTube
📝 Find the Expat Livin blog on our website for practical tips, personal stories, and relocation resources
💬 Share your biggest takeaway in the comments. Have you ever reinvented your life abroad?