After a hiatus filled with international exploration and life-changing decisions, Octavia returns to share why she disappeared—and what happened when she spent 60 days living in Portugal as a 54-year-old cancer survivor testing what international life could look like.Recording from the Algarve region, she opens up about her 8-year dream of exploring life abroad, how a stage 3 colorectal cancer diagnosis delayed everything, and the physical transformation that happened when she finally spent two months living like a local in Portugal.This episode is raw, honest, and deeply personal about what happens when you survive something that forces you to ask: "If I get through this, what do I actually want my life to look like?"—and then having the courage to explore that answer.EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:- The backstory: Why Portugal has been calling for 8 years and what finally made it possible- Physical transformation: How 30 days reduced inflammation, improved LARS syndrome symptoms, and reset her nervous system- The Puerto Vallarta chapter: Why she fell in love with Mexico too, and how astrocartography explained being pulled to two different places- "Safe and free" decoded: What those words mean practically for Black women living outside the U.S.- The visa reality: Digital Nomad Visa process and what's actually involved- Culture Lit's evolution: How the podcast is expanding to include wellness, entrepreneurship, and international living while still centering Black romanceBOOKS MENTIONED:Can't Get Enough - Kennedy RyanPlus Size Player - Danielle AllenQuasim Series - Jahquel JTender Offer - Tanvier PeartWorks by Regina Black, Tati Richardson, Mea MoniqueRESOURCES:🗺️ Astrocartography: astro-seek.comFind this and other recommendations at The CultureLit online BookShop and support independent bookstores at Visit my bookshop!Culture Lit is a community celebrating black women and black love, and a reminder that black women deserve joy, love success, second chances, and all the beautiful magic the world has to offer.Please follow the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts or wherever you listen to your podcasts!Let me know what you’re reading, what you’re thinking, and what you’re thinking about what you’re reading. If this episode resonated:✨ Leave a 5-star review✨ Share with someone considering a big life change✨ Tag @becomingoctavia with your takeawaysCulture Lit celebrates Black romance novels, Black women's wellness, and the courage to write your own story—on the page and in real life.STAY CONNECTEDInstagram: becomingoctaviaTwitter: xooctaviamarieFB: BecomingOctaviaMarieMusic credit: Cool Jazz Beat by FASOL PRODA Subito Media productionMentioned in this episode:If you're enjoying the show, join our community at culturelitpodcast.com.Visit my bookshop!

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