Relocation--Opportunity for Adventure

"We should come home from far, from adventures, and perils, and discoveries every day, with new experience and character."

For those facing a move, author Henry David Thoreau's philosophy serves as a hopeful reminder that relocation to a new city can serve as an opportunity for growth and adventure. Yet 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 -- all are part of the process of recreating life in a new city, state or country.?

Below are a few simple tips (gained from my own experience moving throughout the US as well as internationally) to help navigate the emotional process of relocation and embrace the opportunities for growth it presents (and if you are a real estate professional, hopefully provide helpful insight as you seek to serve relocation clients beyond the home transaction!).

8 Tips for a Successful Transition

1. Give yourself time to adjust--and permission to re-invent yourself!

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, explore opportunities to freelance before committing to a new company.?Or perhaps you discover that you no longer have the same passions--a move can provide the perfect excuse to leave a career in accounting to pursue your love for event planning. Starting over is a gift--take full advantage of the opportunity to recreate yourself!

Check out resources by others who have relocated like Sundae Bean's "Expats on Purpose" and Amel Derragui's Tandem Nomads.

2.?Join a newcomer's group.

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 parent groups are a great place to start. Find forums and ask questions like, "Looking for other moms or dads 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 videos with your digital photos. The options are limited only by your imagination and willingness to tap into your hidden talents!

4. Learn new skills and grow your business network as you re-create your career.

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. Grow your professional network by connecting to local industry leaders and entrepreneurs on Linkedin, attend a LinkedinLocal or other area networking events. Put yourself out there -- there are new people to meet and valuable skills to learn!

Career Resource: YouMap: Find Yourself. Blaze your Path. Show the World by Kristin Sherry

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!

Organizational Resources:

Minimalize to Maximize Your Happiness: Cut the Crap by Jake Melton.

Smart Moves by Caroline Carter

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. Need ideas of where to start? Stop by the local Chamber of Commerce--not only can they connect you to area non-profits but to networking events within the local business community.

7. Stay in touch with close friends and family

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. It's important to maintain significant friendships while at the same time forging new relationships.

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 in a new city together.

Seize the opportunity for growth and embrace the adventure of new beginnings when finding 'Home' in a new city.

I would love to hear about your experiences! How has relocation to a new city allowed you to recreate yourself personally and/or professionally? What tips can you offer that might help others?

If you are a real estate or relocation professional, how do you help clients find "Home?"

Lindy Chapman | 180 Relocation Group @ REAL | [email protected]