Making the right move....
Tips for enjoying life in a new location
Meeting other people
There are a lot of people who would love to get to know you.
Find them by joining clubs, engaging in social activities, through church, volunteer work, and civic endeavors.
Invite people to join you for dinner or other activities you enjoy.
Try to meet a variety of people rather than only associating with one group.
Remember that it takes time to build new relationships, but it is well worth the effort.
Remaining close to family and friends
Are you missing the people you left behind when you moved?
Share your move with them!
Keep in contact with them by mail, phone, or e-mail.
Send them pictures and information about the area where you now live.
Invite them to come for visits.
Finding things to do
You will be amazed at how much there is to enjoy in you new location.
Take classes in yoga, painting, ceramics, quilting, photography, gardening, boating, self improvement, etc.
Get information from the local colleges regarding non-credit classes.
Explore the museums and libraries.
Learn about the unique marine life in this area.
Look in your local newspaper and shop windows for notices about various meetings and activities.
Get involved in your community.
Now is the time to do the things you have always wanted to do but never had the time for before.
Feeling at home in your new location
It takes time, but there are things you can do to fit into your new environment.
Talk to the clerks in stores, at the dry cleaners, pharmacy, and other places so that they get to know you.
Find a physician and set up an appointment to get acquainted.
Join a church, club for newcomers, the local gym, or other organization.
Follow the local baseball and football teams.
Dealing with "culture shock"
Things can never be the same as they were where you lived before.
If you find adjusting to new ways of life difficult, you can ease the transition in several ways.
Learn about the new culture and its history.
Talk to natives of the area. Sample local foods and festivities.
Try blending the things you loved from your past home with new things.
Look at your move as an adventure.
Before you move...
Picture yourself in your new home.
Imagine yourself enjoying life there.
Find out all that you can about the area.
Ask local people what they like about living there.
Examine any concerns you might have about moving.
Find out what you can do to decrease those concerns.
Make sure that the move will not create undue financial distress.
Be honest with yourself.
Relax and enjoy your new adventure!
Enjoy your new life
Change is good for you.
Go ahead, do the things you put off doing before.
Learn something new.
Take some calculated risks.
This is a wonderful opportunity for you to take charge of your life and live it to the fullest.
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© 2008-2010 Kathleen Long Ph.D.