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| Alex Tan Photography | Death to Stock |
Recently I relocated and have started a new chapter in my life with my partner in crime, gotten myself a part time job, been ill for over a month, had four bees’ nests and obtained so much mismatched furniture my anxiety can’t cope sometimes. I am left out of balance with myself and life in general.
Even after relocating a few times in my life I thought
that I would have this down. After the goodbyes and all the unpacking what happens
next?
Here's What No One Tells You About
Starting Over:
Things Are Not Always Perfect
Relocating doesn’t always run
smoothly. For instance, I am still unpacking, waiting on furniture and trying
to establish a good routine. Due to this I am feeling behind on so many things and it can get
overwhelming.
Some days you may not know what you are doing and
that’s ok.
I assumed that when I went freelance full-time that I
would have everything figured out but then I moved to a more expensive city and
had to rethink my new life. So, I got myself a little part-time job to ease the
stress of my finances. The job is manageable and means all of my bills are paid
for at the end of the month without taking up too much of my time.
When we moved loved ones gave us unwanted home goods
and this was much appreciated as we didn’t have much money left to nest in our
new home. So, what if the furniture doesn’t match? I say this as the
perfectionist side of me is being impatient and wants everything cohesive and well
placed. You have plenty of time to get yourself in order and the things you
want to do. No one is perfect you shouldn’t feel bad because things are not
what you expect them to be.
Doubt Will Rear Its Ugly Head
Relocating is never easy. You will doubt yourself. Am
I making the right decision by moving away? What if it all goes wrong? what if
I fail? These doubts and much more can flood your mind.
Me I get homesick sometimes and miss my friends but
then I remember why I moved away. It is what was best for me. No one can
dictate your life but you. Changing your mindset and doing your best to build
your new life can be an incredible experience.
Growing up I knew that people wanted to see me fail
and I have countless times, but I am still going and still learning with each
mistake and achievements. Haters will hate but the only voice that matters is
your own. Carry on doing your thing and be proud of how far you’ve come. Even
if it something big or small you did that, and you have every right to feel
good about that.
When I have self-doubt I keep myself busy, journal, do
yoga, have a bath, listen to podcasts or watch vlogs created by talented and
inspiring people to lift my spirits. Everyone is different do what works for
you.
Making Friends Is Not As Easy As It Used To Be
In real life and online you have to go out of your way
to make connections with others and put in the effort. The world is pretty fast
paced now and if you are moving or already have moved to a city like myself
then it can be difficult forming friendships.
Now I am one of those people who struggle to make
friends easily but that is ok because I do value my time alone and prefer the
friends I gained growing up with and the ones I have made from previous jobs.
Organically you will meet people overtime. In most of
my jobs I have made friends for life. I even got myself a part-time job a month
after I relocated and started a new chapter in my life.
Some of the people I have met are lovely and I get to
know them more with each shift. I am not saying I will be out dancing and
dancing with them on the weekends but connecting with people makes the job a
better working environment.
Getting to know the neighbours can be daunting for
some. A lot of curtain twitching was happening when we were getting settled. I
like to think we are boring sometimes but clearly people were curious about us.
Through passing we have met a few of our next-door
neighbours who are pleasant and one of them even has a little Staffordshire
bull terrier who is amazing and loves belly rubs!
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Have Some Fun
After moving I ended up with a chest infection and
felt deflated with everything but after I got better I tried to perk myself up
with some things. I explored my new city. A couple of searches on Google and
some walking around to explore was just what I needed. I found a large
beautiful park and some good food places to try out.
Discover new and exciting activities in your new
location or even set yourself a new challenge that is personal to you. Some
days I love going out to the cinema, a music gig or a gin and food festival but
then some days I want to reorganise my wardrobe and have a clear out and have
Netflix on in the background. These activities might not sound fun to some but
each to their own. What makes you smile?
Reinventing Yourself Is A Challenge
Starting afresh and becoming the new you can be
daunting. There are parts of you that you may not like and want to make some
changes.
I imagine myself sometimes becoming an instafamous
artist just like that with loads of money in bank and going on round the world
trips living the high life. Then the realist part of me is like get a new
fashion look, get my jobs done and get my projects off the ground. Even these
tasks don’t happen over-night.
Go at your own pace and make the changes you want.
Right now, I am clearing out unnecessary clutter,
having a more of a positive outlook, avoiding drama, concentrating on getting
settled in my new home and what I can do for my business to grow.
When things do not go to plan treat yourself to
self-care. You are number one!
Look To The Future
The future can have so many possibilities. It is
exciting! Dreaming up ways of different outcomes to an amazing future can give
you the warm and fuzzies. To make the future you want plan and execute how you
wish to get there.
I recommend a mood board. The first mood board I
created of the life I wanted for myself included an art studio, a big house by
a lake, a cute dog and a huge wardrobe room of clothes. Since then my mindset
has changed and the way the world is I wish for a peaceful mind, doing the work
that I love, a happy life with my partner, a cute pet obviously and roof over
our heads.
Maybe you are not where you thought you were going to
be at a certain stage in your life but do not let that stop you. The future has
so many possibilities just like you.
Whether you have just moved or considering relocating it
can be an adjustment and have many bumps in the road but the journey to
building your new life can be an incredible experience. Enjoy the adventure and
take each day as it comes.
