|
By Cathy Goodwin
Ten tips for happy relocation (across town and around the
world)
Relocation is stressful because you change more than your
address. You'll begin to navigate a new way to be a spouse,
parent, friend, lover, choir member, PTA officer, and more.
Here are ten tips to a help you tune in to your inner compass
when your world is spinning.
1. Ask, "Who am I? What do I need to be happy?"
The secret to a successful move depends on how you answer the
question, "Can I still be me?”
To answer this question, write ten “I am” statements about
yourself -- anything from “I am a mother” to “I am a
dog-owner”
to “I am friendly and outgoing.”
Before you move, ask yourself, “How will this list change
after
I move?” You may still be a dog-owner and a dad...but will you
create these roles the same way?
2. Take a test drive.
When you buy a car, you don't just go around the block. You
try
the freeways and the rough roads.
Considering a move to Seattle or Syracuse? Study the culture
as
if you were an anthropologist. What do people do? How do they
dress? How do they talk to each other?
Most important, how do you feel? Did you develop new
allergies,
headaches or back pain during your visit? Or did you find
yourself wishing you cold stay forever?
3. Pack an emotional first aid kit.
Most hikers pack a first aid kit with sunblock, band-aids, and
insect repellent.
For relocation you can pack
Coping phrases to repeat when you feel frazzled:
"Let go and relax."
"I can deal with this."
"I face the future with confidence."
Tapes of meditation and visualization (for unexpected bouts of
anxiety)
Favorite photos of friends, family, places and pets (so you
remember who you are)
Phone numbers of trusted confidantes (for moments when you
really need to hear a familiar voice)
4. Develop ceremonies to honor your new life.
As you unpack boxes or begin a new assignment, play your
favorite music and enjoy your favorite foods. Arrange one room
-or one corner of the room-to look familiar. Some people
create
a special ritual of settling in to make the new life their
own.
5. Plan for downtime.
For the first few months you'll probably have gaps in your
calendar. Maybe you had a standing dinner date with the
neighbors on Wednesdays. You held office in civic
organizations
and you took classes.
Plan to fill downtime with meaningful projects. I recommend
taking on a challenging creativity project. Write a novel.
Complete a painting. Join a dance group.
And I would add a physical activity, anything from
weight-lifting at the gym to running marathons to walking the
dog extra times.
When you nurture yourself, you communicate strength and
confidence to others. If you are seen as vulnerable and needy,
you will attract negative people and negative experiences.
6. Take your time as you make new commitments.
Most newcomers need two to five years to make lasting friends.
During your first six months, avoid joining organizations (let
alone running for office). Sign up for short-term options so
you can test the waters.
You won't know the hidden dimensions of joining. Once I
eagerly
joined a group, only to learn that their meetings were held in
out-of-the-way places - and that's where most members lived! A
huge waste of time and dues.
7. Celebrate everyday life. Think small. A walk around the
lake. A perfect cup of coffee in a nearby coffee shop. A
friendly face at the trade show. Listen for the moments when
you say, “I could get used to this...”
No matter what happens, you will find at least one pocket of
joy in your new life...usually something wonderful you never
anticipated.
About The Author: Cathy Goodwin, Ph.D., helps executives
business-owners and professionals transform career breakdowns
to career breakthroughs. Download her book on dealing with the
stresses of moving. www.cathygoodwin.com/bigmove.html
10
secrets of mastering a major life transition
www.cathygoodwin.com/subscribe.html
|