If it isn’t an oxymoron, change is the one constant in life. It has always been and always will be. Most of the time, change is a good thing that shows we’re growing up or maturing.
We’re constantly on the move in today’s era of globalization and myriad career options. Whether for work, school, or simply to experience new cultures and adventures, more and more of us are living like global citizens.
If you’re someone who’s constantly on the move, never staying in one place for too long, then you know how difficult it is to feel settled. It can be hard to make a new city feel like home. But there are some tips and tricks that I’ve picked up over the years that might help you settle down quickly and achieve your goals.
Be at Peace Within Yourself
If you don’t feel internally at peace with your decision to be in a new place, it will never feel right. You must choose from within to enjoy any new place, regardless of whether you’re there by external circumstances or not.
Sometimes, it takes a little while to adjust to living in a new city. If you find yourself struggling but still determined to make the most of your experience, jot down all the things you could gain from living there— anything from learning a language or trying new foods, to experiencing other cultures and building relationships. It’s important to keep in mind why you’re drawn to this new place; whether it be for good reasons like work or education, don’t forget what originally attracted you here.
Regardless of the circumstance, if you find yourself having to relocate, try and make the best of it. Keep in mind that this is only a phase and things will eventually get better. A major part of accepting your new surroundings includes living for today and enjoying the present moment.
Too many people, myself included at times, get so caught up in the stress of day-to-day life that we forget to enjoy the wonderful cities we live in. It often takes visitors from out of town for us to realize how truly lucky we are. Don’t wait for someone else to point out all that’s great about where you live—focus on it yourself and make an effort to enjoy your surroundings more.
Make Use of Memorabilia
This includes photos of friends and family, artwork that reminds you of your roots, souvenirs from pals, etc. It can be anything that makes you feel more at ease; it could be a blanket, rug or throw pillow, jumper sweater, poster, potpourri, or scented candles. Just use something with sentimental value to create cozy fits in small spaces.
Visuals are always helpful because our minds process images more easily than text. When pictures of your loved ones or things that remind you of home are in plain sight, any place can start to feel like home. Having familiar items around makes anywhere feel cozier!
Join Interest Groups
Joining social clubs based on your hobbies is a great way to become more comfortable in your new area. What do you enjoy doing? Try googling “networking groups” that focus on these activities Within your local community.
A great way to make new friends is by joining sports clubs or getting involved in activities like swimming, tennis, and badminton. If you’re a fan of soccer/football, look for 5-aside teams. Try to find people with similar interests within your community so it’ll be easier to connect with them. There are also some networking or extracurricular groups that you might be able to join at work or school.
It’s worth noting that joining a Local Levo chapter in your new location is an excellent idea! You stand to gain and give a lot from the community of driven ladies.
Disclaimer: Don’t join any old group that you come across! Make sure to do your research, get recommendations if you can, and confirm that the people you want to spend time with are trustworthy.
Document Your Experience
Writing things down is crucial, no matter what form it takes: a blog, journal, or scrapbook. It’s therapeutic and Cathartic- as Oprah says – to get your thoughts out of your head. You’ll be glad you did when you look back at it years from now!
If you’re looking for a way to feel closer to your friends and family who live far away, why not start a photo blog? That way, they can see what’s going on in your life and feel like they are right there with you.
Moving to a new location can be tough – how did you manage to find your footing?
