My grandmother was born in 1921. She was born in Ireland to a single mother, in the town of Tullow, County Carlow.

At that time, conceiving a child out of wedlock was considered a major sin in Ireland. It was labelled an ‘illegitimate‘ pregnancy.

Mothers of ‘illegitimate‘ children faced the prospect of two years in an institution. Their children were four times more likely to die as their ‘legitimate’ counterparts. That’s a high price to pay for being single.

My great grandmother had no intention of succumbing to the heartless policies administered by the Irish authorities. Instead, she packed her bags and brought her young daughter on the ‘boat to England’.

Like many Irish in the early 20th century, they headed to Manchester. With insufficient resources to raise a child, my great grandmother placed my grandmother in the care of several orphanages.

Eventually reunited, they created a life together, survived the WWII blitz in a cupboard under the stairs, and jointly raised my father and my uncle.

Unfortunately (for me) my great grandmother passed away a year before I was born. The memories shared by my dad and many of his friends paint a picture of lady who was plucky, upbeat, and optimistic. We might never have met, but I feel a deep connection.

The final time I saw my grandmother in 2011… she asked to drink a Guiness

In a historic 2016 referendum, the people of the United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union (EU).

I feel the need to caveat that this is not a political article. Whatever personal views you might hold regarding the virtues of the EU, that’s a conversation for another forum.

Britain’s departure from the EU brought an end to the privilege UK citizens enjoyed ” to live, work and move freely within the territory of the 27 other member states. Now treated as non-EU members, UK citizens require visas, permits or special agreements to live in the EU.

I view myself as living a somewhat nomadic existence. Throughout my life, I’ve had a passion for travel. I lived and worked in the US for over 10 years. I don’t ever remember feeling a strong sense of ‘home.’

The thought of spending the remainder of my life living predominantly in a single place creates massive unrest. My curiosity to explore this planet and create new experiences is as great as ever.

Two years ago I met my girlfriend, Claudia, in Morocco. Claudia is a Swiss citizen living in Zurich.

As our relationship evolved, and we discussed our future plans, it was evident our most attractive option was to live together in Zurich. Claudia’s work requires her to be there. Thankfully my work affords me great flexibility to set up an office wherever I choose.

Switzerland is not part of the EU, but they do offer reciprocal freedom of movement agreements with member states.

As a UK citizen, I can visit Switzerland as a tourist for no more than 90 days out of every 180. As an Irish citizen, I’m able to reside permanently in Switzerland.

Thanks to the birth rights of my grandmother, I have successfully added my name to the Irish Foreign Births Register. I am officially a dual citizen of the UK and Eire.

Just this afternoon, Claudia and I took my Irish Passport to the local municipality in Switzerland and confirmed my Swiss residency. We are excited to begin the next chapter of our lives together.

My grandmother and great grandmother needed to endure so much more than I ever have. They had to flee persecution, tolerate inhumane policies, battle poverty, survive a major global conflict, and raise two children.

They did all this in a male dominated society without receiving help from a single man. They were bold, courageous, and daring ladies.

I’m grateful to them for creating a lineage I feel proud to follow. I’m equally thankful we no longer pour scorn upon single mothers.

The story serves as a great reminder:. There is always a way to get what you desire.

Nobody has the ability to deny you of your dreams. It was true of my great grandmother over 100 years ago. It’s true for me today. It’s true for you as well.

You might not have Irish ancestors, but whatever it is you need that feels frustratingly out of reach, there’s always a way to make it happen.

Your happiness and success is directly dependent on three things:

• How creative you are
• How much you believe
• How boldly you live

You can be a victim of your circumstances or a creator of your destiny.

A tiny shift in your perspective makes a world of difference to your lived experience.

The biggest lesson I carry from grandmother – have fun and don’t take life too seriously.

Take the fun part seriously. Create the life you desire.