All Posts

I’ve been free for a while now. Free from the alarm. Free from the commute. Free from the meetings that could have been emails, the emails that should have been nothing, the relentless performance of being productive for someone else’s bottom line. And I want to write something honest about it. Not the version I’d put on camera. The real one. Because freedom, it turns out, is complicated. Finding myself again — slowly The first thing I noticed was that I didn’t know what I ac

I still haven’t called. I’ve been trying to figure out why.

It's the end of May here in the United Kingdom. The evenings are getting longer, that particular British gold light that stretches past 9pm like it's trying to convince you summer is real and permanent. And somewhere in the back of my head, I'm aware that back home, Memorial Day just passed. That somebody grilled something. That somebody drove somewhere. That people I used to know went about the whole ritual of it without me.

It's not the big holidays that catch you off guard when you live abroad. It's the specific ones. The ones with a smell to them.

Let me be clear from the start: I’m not here to trash formal education. Degrees matter. Credentials matter. The structure, the discipline, the exposure to ideas you never would have sought on your own — all of that is genuinely valuable. But there’s a version of “educated” that looks great on paper and falls apart the moment life gets complicated. And there’s a version of “knowledgeable” that has no letters after its name and yet navigates the world with remarkable clarity. T

Then I moved here. And I genuinely did not know there was a UK general election happening until someone mentioned it in passing. I'd gotten a couple of flyers through the letterbox (yes, I've learned the word). That was it!

After our livestream on Tuesday, I realized I’m still very much wrapping my head around this whole “living under a monarchy” situation. And then King Charles casually shows up in the US this week and suddenly this is my entire personality. I’m Googling lineage charts. I’m saying things like “soft power” out loud. I’m becoming… that American. So let’s talk about the five things that shocked me most about the British monarchy this week — sprinkled with a few moments where I, a

Moving abroad brings excitement and challenges in equal measure. As an American expat, I quickly learned that adapting to a new culture means more than just understanding local customs—it requires managing emotional wellbeing while navigating unfamiliar social norms. This is especially true for Americans in the UK, where British culture can feel both familiar and surprisingly different. In this post, I want to share insights on how to handle cultural differences and maintain

While it may seem trivial, queuing can be a significant aspect of social interaction. Understanding its importance can enhance your experience in the UK.

Moving to a new country is like opening a book filled with blank pages. You’re excited, a little nervous, and curious about what stories you’ll write. For Americans settling in the UK, this journey is full of unique experiences, cultural surprises, and sometimes, a longing for home. That’s where the Hickson Diaries come in. They’re not just stories; they’re a warm, welcoming community that shares the ups and downs of life across the pond. Let me take you on a journey through

I didn’t move to the UK to become someone else. But somewhere along the way… I became a version of myself I didn’t even know I needed.

Growing up in New Jersey, "going down the shore" was more than just a summer activity—it was a way of life. The Jersey shore has its own rhythm, its own charm, and a culture that many outside the United States might only know from TV shows or movies. But for me, the real magic wasn’t in the crowded boardwalks or the noisy arcades. It was in the quiet moments, especially off-season, when the beach was empty, and the only sound was the ocean waves crashing against the shore. Th

Life is a bit like the British weather - unpredictable, sometimes sunny, sometimes stormy, and often a mix of both in the same day. Whether you’re moving across the pond, settling into a new city, or simply turning a new page in your story, transitions can feel overwhelming. But here’s the good news: with the right life change strategies, you can not only survive these shifts but truly thrive through them. Let’s dive into some practical, warm, and friendly advice to help you

Life is a winding road filled with unexpected turns, breathtaking views, and sometimes, a few potholes. When you’re navigating a new country, culture, or chapter, it can feel like you’re driving blindfolded. That’s why sharing personal experiences becomes such a powerful tool. It’s like turning on the headlights, helping not only yourself but others find their way too. Whether you’re an American settling into the UK, an Brit interested in a foreigner's POV, or someone fascin

Life has a funny way of throwing curveballs when you least expect them. Sometimes, those curveballs feel more like a full-on storm. I’ve been there, and I’m sure you have too. Whether it’s moving to a new country, dealing with loss, or facing unexpected hardships, overcoming life’s toughest challenges is something we all have to learn. Today, I want to share some thoughts and practical tips on recovering from hard times —because if I can do it, so can you. The Reality of Rec

Moving to a new country is like opening a box of chocolates - you never quite know what you're going to get. When I first landed in the UK, I was fascinated by the little things that made British life so uniquely charming. From the way people queue up politely to the endless love for tea, these British cultural traits are a delightful mix of tradition, humour, and a dash of eccentricity. If you’re curious about what makes the UK tick, or just want to feel a bit more at home h

Since living in the UK, I’ve found myself re-examining parts of my upbringing that I never questioned before, especially my education. Not because it was “bad,” but because so many of the assumptions baked into it simply don’t survive contact with the wider world.

An American living in the UK reflects on trust, power, and the moment belief finally breaks

Life has a funny way of throwing curveballs when we least expect it. One day, you’re settled into your routine, and the next, everything feels like it’s shifting beneath your feet. Whether it’s moving across the pond, starting a new job, or adjusting to a new culture, handling life changes can be both exciting and overwhelming. I’ve been there, and trust me, it’s okay to feel a bit lost sometimes. The good news? You’re not alone, and with a little guidance, you can turn these

Revolutions are not single events with clear beginnings and endings. They are long processes built over time. History shows how pressure, not moments, drives revolutionary change.