How to move gracefully...

Lynne Bergeron is a dear friend of mine, and someone who has moved around the globe throughout her lifetime. Since I am about to uproot from a very comfortable spot in Greensboro, NC (and relocate to Charlottesville, VA) I went to Lynne for advice. The words of wisdom she had to share were so powerful I thought everyone might benefit from reading them (whether you are moving to a new city like me, or not).

1. Be sure to send out change of address/phone number cards to all of your friends, family, etc. 2. Be sure to change your name and address with insurance companies, driver's license, credit cards, utilities, bank, publications, etc.
3. Be wary of people who are overly welcoming and want to be with you all of the time. If you feel that someone is trying to monopolize your time, they might not have good intentions. I learned that the very hardest way here.
4. Check with people about safety/security concerns as well as reputation of service providers, etc...
5. Sorority alumnae, church, public library, university connections, are all good resources for meeting people.
6. Try to make your apt./home as personal and special as you can. Surround yourself with meaningful things so it feels like you belong there. That you are HOME!
7. Do some exploring of the area so when people visit you can show them around or give them the info so they can get around themselves. It feels more like home when you know about the area in which you are living. You might never live there again, and I believe you will regret it down the line, if you leave there without ever having Really been there!!!!
8. Be very careful about making negative comparisons to other places you have lived/been when talking to people there. It usually sounds whiney and people get tired of it real fast.
9. Though you know you will not likely be there past Mike's graduation, embrace living there. This is the beginning of your life together and that only happens once!! Make the memories good ones!!!!!! You will find that you will talk about this particular time in your lives more than you expect.
10. Accept that it will be different. Different doesn't mean bad. It just means not the same!
11. Remember that change is hard. All change--even good change!
12. Try to get into a routine pretty early on. I have a feeling that you are an organized, take charge person. You will feel more like yourself if you do those things that make you feel like you and make you feel like you are in charge of your life. Sometimes moving makes you feel like you are up in the air.
13. As I said before, do NOT jump in too quickly and be cautious of people that try to make you do that!!
14. Try to look at this as an adventure!! A positive attitude is definitely going to help you through the changes!
15. Try to keep track of what worked for you and what you would do differently. I have a feeling there will be other moves in your life!
16. Know that home truly is where the heart is!!!!!!!!!!!
17. Keep in mind that you are not giving up anything by moving. You are adding to what you already have--friends, life experiences, etc..
18. Don't be afraid of multi-generational activities. Of course, your best friends will likely be close to your age. However, there is much to be said for joining things that have people of all ages. If you listen, you can learn a lot.