I got lost three times on the way home from the airport. On the way there for the first time, I wrote down the three highway #’s and took duplicate toll money from my wallet, so that I would be ready for the trip home. The difference was that on the way there, next to each highway # sign, there were others that directed me: » » » AIRPORT. In contrast, on the way home there were no signs that said: » » » Terry’s Apartment. They only mentioned exit East/West or North/South… and although I had the highway #’s, I had no idea which direction would take me home.
Have you ever felt lost? A new city? New job? New life-stage?
Getting lost is just part of being only two days in a new city. The newness of a move also includes no food in the fridge, chaos of boxes everywhere, meeting new people and finding new places, exhaustion and uncertainties. I am really grateful for the few special, sentimental items we brought with us – pictures, blankets, pottery – that make this new apartment feel like “home”. They help bridge my old life to my new life; they add security and continuity to my transition.
What helps you handle change? Do you continue traditions, pack special mementos, visit familiar restaurants?
I know intellectually that it can take a year to feel at “home” in a new place. Emotionally I want it to feel like home now! I am trying to implement a few healthy practices to help with the change…
Laugh: I’m learning to laugh at myself, at the new adventures gone wrong, at all I don’t know… and laugh with others, making new friends and good memories. Some tears are inevitable, but I can find reasons to laugh too.
Let Go: I’m trying not to compare the old with the new. I figure it’s OK for me to miss special people and places, but I need to give this new place a chance. It will feel different for me – not as good in some ways, but maybe better in others. I want to keep my eyes – and my heart – open for the “new and improved”. 🙂
Learn: I have so much to discover – new best practices, “insider” tips, local haunts… If I take the initiative, observe, and ask a lot of questions, I bet I’ll find a lot of great treats and treasures in this new life.
How do you look forward to the “new” in your life?
maturitas cafe 
taking time to catch up on lots of reading.
Oh, yes! (first Q)
Inhale deep and float on my back? (second Q)
With the Father, Son, Spirit, and His beautiful body (third Q)
🙂
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HaHa! Great answers! I know you are busy… thanks for making time to stop by!
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Just read it. It’s been awhile since I’ve moved, but I do recall all those strange feelings. How did I do it? The biggest help was laughter with the family about all the craziness surrounding me. Keeping connected with friends from the past while I was making new ones helped me not feel totally abandoned. Blessings in the adventure, dear friend.
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Jan, we are doing well… many changes, but you are right, laughter and friends help a lot! Hope to see you soon!
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so strange to think that moving to the USA can be as odd and confusing as moving to a foreign country. But the same thing happened to me too. it’s one thing to visit for short amounts of time especially to familiar places but moving back to the US and to a NEW city to boot comes with a whole other kind of culture shock!
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Yes, culture shock comes in all forms! We are enjoying most of the reverse culture shock for now! Hope to see you soon!
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Since they are no mountains to guide you, you have to picture a map in your head. “Ocean is on the right, California is on the left.” That’s how I do it 🙂
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lol! Thanks, Stephanie! I definitely miss the mountains/volcanos, but don’t mind heading right to the ocean either! 🙂
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Orlando is a really hard place to find your way around. Takes time!
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Thanks, Judy. I am looking forward to learning a lot during our time here!
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