Show notes
In this episode of Balkan Sis, I’m trying something a little different.With guests across the world and time zones that don’t always align, this conversation was recorded in a new format — allowing us to still share powerful stories without missing out on voices that deserve to be heard.And this one… is a story so many of us will feel.I’m joined by Michelle Jurić — born and raised in Germany to Balkan parents, who spent most of her life navigating what it means to belong.Growing up, Michelle shares what it felt like to be seen as an outsider — the subtle discrimination, the pressure to prove herself, and how that quietly shaped her identity.At just 18, she made a life-changing move to Australia. What started as six months turned into over five years — a period where she experienced freedom, began her healing journey, explored spirituality, and reconnected with herself.Through therapy and self-work, she also began to understand her parents differently — unpacking generational trauma, building boundaries, and finding forgiveness.From the outside, it looked like she had built a dream life.But internally… something was missing.Despite the lifestyle and independence, Michelle speaks openly about the loneliness of being far from family, the stress of visa uncertainty, and the moment she realised that success on paper didn’t equal fulfilment.So she made another bold decision — to leave it all behind and move to Croatia.We dive into what that transition really looked like — the beauty of being close to family and community, but also the challenges: family dynamics, cultural differences, being misunderstood, and navigating spirituality in a more traditional environment.Michelle also shares a powerful perspective on privilege — through the lens of her parents’ sacrifices and everything they endured to create opportunities for the next generation.This episode is about identity, courage, and coming back to yourself.Because sometimes… home isn’t a place.It’s a feeling you spend your whole life searching for.Growing up in Germany and feeling like an outsiderMoving to Australia at 18 and starting overHealing, therapy, and reconnecting with yourselfGenerational trauma and forgivenessBuilding a “dream life” — and still feeling emptyLoneliness, visa stress, and emotional turning pointsLeaving Australia and choosing uncertaintyWhy Croatia — and why not GermanyCommunity, connection, and redefining homeFamily boundaries and cultural frictionSpirituality and being misunderstoodPrivilege and our parents’ sacrificesAdvice for anyone feeling stuck00:00 Welcome & Subscribe00:48 New Interview Format02:16 Meet Michelle & Theme03:24 Growing Up in Germany08:12 Outsider to People Pleaser09:22 Moving to Australia13:28 Healing & Freedom18:07 Generational Trauma21:12 Dream Life Missing Family26:34 Turning Points29:28 Everyday Moments33:33 Why Croatia36:29 Leaving Australia39:06 Why Not Germany41:02 Community in Croatia44:00 Redefining Home45:54 Family & Boundaries50:36 Spirituality53:14 Privilege57:23 Advice01:00:43 Risk Worth It01:03:05 Younger Self01:04:59 Creating Home WithinInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/michelle.juric/Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unleash-align/id1871267238TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@michelle.juricIf this episode resonated with you, send it to someone who’s been questioning their life, their path, or where they truly belong. You’re not alone in that feeling. And you’re not crazy for wanting something more.
