Author and philosopher Henry David Thoreau wrote, “We should come home from far, from adventures, and perils, and discoveries every day, with new experience and character."
For those facing a move, leaving all that is familiar, especially when following a partner's career, can ignite a rollercoaster of emotions. From the excitement of a new adventure to a surprising mix of sadness and loss are all part of the process of recreating life in a new city, state or country.
Below are a few simple tips to help navigate the emotional process of relocation and embrace the opportunity it presents (and if you are a real estate professional, hopefully provide helpful insight into the challenges faced by your relocation clients beyond the home transaction)!
1. Give yourself permission to adjust--and grieve--it's part of the process.
Don't try to instantly re-create and continue the life you left. Give yourself permission to say 'no' to career or volunteer opportunities until fully ready. If you were the PTA president at your child's school before moving, wait a year before stepping back into a leadership role. If you left a career, is there a way to monetize your skills as a freelancer before committing to a new company? Or you may discover that you no longer have the same passions--a move can provide the perfect excuse to leave a career in accounting to pursue instead your love for event planning. Starting over is a gift--take full advantage of the opportunity to recreate yourself!
2. Join a newcomers group or social club.
Protect yourself from feeling like an 'outsider' by finding other 'non-locals' in your new city. Find a newcomer's group--and if one doesn't exist, consider starting one! Social media sites including Facebook mom groups are a great place to start. Find forums and ask questions like, "Looking for other moms of toddlers who have moved." Or, "Just moved from [hometown/state/country]--Anyone else from there?!" "I'm an empty nester new to the area--anyone else in this group with time for [coffee/wine/tennis/movies]!
3. Find a new hobby.
What's something you always wanted to do, but never had time or gave yourself permission? Replace your former job, volunteer work, and social activities with something that is "all about you" --sign up for a photography, painting, cooking, or foreign language course; join or start a book club; learn how to create digital family videos with your stored photos. The options are limited only by your imagination and willingness to tap into hidden talents!
4. Learn new career skills and grow your business network
Add to your transferable skills by enrolling in an online course or local university. Attend workshops or conferences to strengthen your industry knowledge. Join a local Toastmasters Club and sharpen your public speaking skills. Get connected to local industry leaders and entrepreneurs on Linkedin, attend a LinkedinLocal or other networking events and grow your professional network. Put yourself out there -- there are new people to meet and valuable skills to learn!
5. Create new habits or routines.
Moving to a new city creates a chance to start over! Replace old routines and/or bad habits with new or better choices. Redefine who you are and who you want to be. Have you always wanted to run a 5k or marathon? Lace up your running shoes and declare yourself a runner! Was your former home disorganized? Before unpacking your boxes, purchase a book on organization and become that tidy person you always wanted to be but were too overwhelmed by clutter to start--now is your chance!
6. Find a purpose.
Nothing creates gratitude more than service to others, and every city has opportunities and organizations in need of volunteers. Find a place that will benefit from the talent and time you have to offer.
7. Stay in touch with friends and family back home.
Create a group text, write letters (yes, with envelopes and stamps), engage on social media, set a date for a reunion and start the countdown--find a balance between forging new relationships while keeping in touch with significant friendships!
8. Protect your relationship with your Spouse/Partner
If married or in a relationship, protect and nurture it. You will each navigate the challenges of relocation differently--give each other grace! The Significant Marriage offers a great resource with both an online course as well as weekend seminars around the globe. It's faith-based but applicable to anyone seeking to find common purpose and create a better relationship while navigating life together.
Bottom line--When facing relocation, seize the opportunity for growth and embrace the adventure of new beginnings!
