While I was walking back home this morning from our little neighborhood bakery, one of the reasons I like living here, I noticed that it is that time again. The German Flag Time.

German flags are out hanging. Out of windows. Attached to cars and rear-view mirrors. On t-shirts. On kids' faces. It isn't too much. It's just right, in my opinion. I like seeing the red, gold and black.  And perhaps, just as it was in 2006, a lighter feeling and mood will come with the colors as the German National Soccer team continues with the FIFA World Cup.

As I see these flags, I can't help but smile. I like to see this German pride, even if through superficial though meaningful things like a flag. Even if some would say it is 'only' because of soccer, it still makes me smile.

German national and regional pride is something I continue to try to understand here. When do you see it? How do you see it? Who is allowed to show it? Who is not? What is German pride today? 

I know part of my interest in national pride is because of where I grew up and the strong superficial 'stuff' as well as deep values around pride that surrounded me during my childhood. I think about the US American flag at Perkins. Is there a bigger flag anywhere? It is one of those things I thought was huge when I was a little kid and still think it's huge today as a big kid.

It's nice to 'see' this German pride, even if it's only for a while this summer. 

So you think you are a 'non-working accompanying spouse'? Gave up a job, a career for this move?

There is no such thing as a non-working accompanying spouse. Sure, you may not go to an office. You no longer get a financial pay check. 

But you are working. You tackle innumerable tasks critical to the success of this assignment. Without you, the expat assignment wouldn't work the way it is. Period. 

You are the 'non-working working accompanying spouse'.

As an organization, be sure you are supporting your accompanying spouses. If you want your global mobility programs to be successful, you need them.

Time and time again, we find our clients have similar concerns and questions. Upon moving to a new country and starting anew, people want-need to:

• Feel safe
• Feel at home
• Feel at peace with the situation
• Understand the new culture
• Create a routine
• Have a network of support
• Know available resources

Looking for support in these areas? Let us know.

Read about our latest news here:

These aren't my words, but I've been told this is true. 

I went to my second Bikram Yoga class yesterday. 'Second' meaning my first one was 10 years ago. I guess the first time was so hot (literally) that I needed a decade to cool off. 

To say the least, I was hot, sweating and clearly out of my comfort zone. The people around me amazed me with how they moved with grace as I felt my thighs and knees shaking as I was trying to find my balance. 

I'll be back tomorrow for another stretch outside of my comfort zone. They say the second class is the 'fun class'. We'll see. 

And you? How are you stretching outside of your comfort zone today?