For many Americans living abroad, homesickness comes with the territory. But for content creator Jam (@rarenecessity), who relocated to Ghana, the move has been less about missing the United States and more about embracing a life free from the weight of consumerism.
In a recent Instagram post and video, Jam revisited the beginnings of her content creation journey — videos where she spoke candidly to her audience “like a call from your homegirl.” Picking up that style again, she addressed one of her most frequent questions: Does she miss living in the States?
Her answer: no.
“Outside of friends and family, I can honestly say, yeah, no,” Jam explained. “In the States, I had the accessibility to go to one of the best malls in the area. And with that meant that I was spending a lot of money on a regular basis… When you truly sit back and think about it, it’s like, why am I so tied to an experience or a location because of how I’m spending my money?”
A Shift in Energy and Perspective
Jam, who moved to Ghana with just two weeks’ worth of clothing and left most of her belongings behind, said the move forced her to reevaluate her relationship with material possessions.
She described the change as a “literal energy shift,” contrasting her new lifestyle with what she sees as the “heavy” materialism of the U.S.
“We say we want these fulfilled lives, we say we want these rich, rich experiences,” she said in her video. “But how can we really have those if the things that we deem important and we place such high value on are tied to material things that can come and go as they please?”
Still, she made it clear that she hasn’t abandoned indulgence altogether:
“I will ALWAYS splurge on food and experiences, but only because of the connection that comes with it.”
A Broader Conversation on Consumer Culture
Jam’s reflections tap into a wider dialogue among expats and digital nomads who find themselves reassessing the value of minimalism, sustainability, and intentional living once they leave the U.S.
Her challenge to her American followers was simple:
“The next time you travel outside of the country, really take some time to sit within that area, see how you feel, see how it affects your energy, and just really think about how you look at things — what matters.”
Sending Love From Abroad
Despite the weight of her critique, Jam closed her video with warmth and encouragement, reminding viewers that her journey is about connection, not judgment.
“As always, I’m sending love to whoever needs it. Love you guys,” she signed off.
Her message, one of intentional living, mindfulness, and breaking away from consumer-driven cycles, is resonating with audiences navigating similar questions about purpose, fulfillment, and what truly matters.
“Whenever I leave the United States, my nervous system is completely calm, and I have like the best time and like I’m not anxious and I eat well. I really wanna move abroad. I don’t know how to make it happen. Yet,” one person commented.
