August 11, 2025 marks my two-year anniversary as a legal resident of Portugal.
This milestone feels both ordinary and extraordinary, especially considering that current state of immigration in Portugal.
Right now, the Portuguese immigration system is still in the midst of a chaotic changeover that began shortly after my visa was approved. Expired visas have been automatically extended, and they’re expected to be again, because there are no appointments available and not enough agents to process the renewals.
Basically, it’s a bureaucratic shit show.
I’ve been advised that my visa will probably be extended (but we won’t know for sure until the end of the month) and all I can do is wait to be called for a renewal appointment that likely won’t come. There’s nothing I can do to expedite or clarify things, and my lawyer is so frustrated with the system that she was reluctant to take me on as a client.
Probably, everything will work out and my visa will be renewed. But it might not happen, and there’s no way to know for sure.
I’m really okay with all of that because such is the nature of things.
We can’t know what the future holds, hard as we may try to control it.
As my friend Alan Watts says:
“A completely predictable future is already the past. You’ve had it! That’s not what you want. You want a surprise.” – Alan Watts
And I do. We all want a surprise, much as we may shake our fists at the sky and complain that the world doesn’t go our way. If it did, that would just be boring.
I’m increasingly fond of being clueless, enjoying this dance of not-knowing. It isn’t the unknown that scares us – it’s the stories we make up about it.
Without the stories, not knowing is…fun. Full of wonder and possibilities. And adventure.
I can’t plan or prepare for it. All I can do is surrender, and in that surrender I get to be surprised and delighted by what unfolds.
That’s why I want to celebrate.
I’m dreaming up a way to mark this two-year Portugal-versary with a community celebration. Here are some early ideas I’ve wonder-stormed (with a little help from the Great Chatsby):
🪄 Portugal Magic Giveaway – Enter by sharing a story about following your truth. Winners receive curated prizes (some may even come from Portugal!).
📞 Live from Portugal Celebration Call – A community Zoom gathering with storytelling, reflection, laughter and maybe a little magic.
📬 Postcards from Portugal – A limited offer to receive a personal, hand-written (or magically inspired) message from me.
Or… something else?
I’d love to hear what YOU think.
What kind of celebration would feel fun, meaningful, and joyful for you to be part of?
Hit reply and tell me your idea. If I choose it, I’ll send you a special Mystery Prize. 🎁✨
Yours in love and play,
Steph
P.S. Don’t overthink it. Even if your idea is weird or wild, I’d love to hear it.
