Hey guys, David Ecklund here from DavidEcklund.com. Welcome to Resilient Legacy Expat Dad Coaching! In this video, we’re going to talk about the polaric experience of being an expat dad.
The Dual Roles of Fatherhood
So, what do I mean by that? On one hand, being a dad is one of the most domestic ways of being a man. You’re taking care of your children—being sensitive, keeping them warm, protecting them, feeding them—all those nurturing responsibilities.
At the same time, there’s the adventure of living in foreign lands, exploring the unknown, and taking on something heroic. This is the hyper-masculine side of life. And when you combine these two extremes, it creates a real challenge.
Accept the Challenge
Here’s the first takeaway: accept the challenge. Don’t try to escape it or run to one extreme while neglecting the other. If you do, you’re missing out. You can’t escape your life, and even if you try, running away sucks. It triggers all your psychological “away-from” systems, which biologically keep you stuck in avoidance.
Moving Towards the Balance
You want to be moving towards something. So how do we do that? How can being in that adventurous mode—learning new things, overcoming challenges—give you more to offer your children? It’s not just about acquiring outer skills but developing the inner presence and character you bring as a father.
Conversely, when you take your role as a dad seriously—nurturing, protecting, and tuning into your children’s needs—it deepens your life experience. This groundedness can bring even more richness to the adventures you embark upon.
The Enrichment of Life Through Duality
When you consciously weave these polarities together, you find the secret: polarities are the source of life—male and female, dark and light. This is the matrix of creation. As an expat dad, you have a special opportunity to tap into this balance.
I hope you embrace it. Thanks for watching, and I’ll see you in the next video.