Relocations are always difficult. For some, the worst part is the challenge of leaving behind that piece of real estate in Riverdale, Toronto and going through the whole home search process again. For others, it's separating from the family, friends, or co-workers who formed their social circle and learning to make new friends once more. If you're moving to St. Paul, Minnesota in the near future, use this article to help you find your way back to happiness.
Step 1: Find Closure
The first and perhaps most difficult step in relocating is a mental one. You must accept that your life is going to change, that you will be leaving what you know behind. Have a going away party when leaving the London, Ontario animal hospital you work for. Have your friends and family over for a farewell dinner. Take photos of your old home and your old city for a scrapbook. The important thing is to touch base with everyone and everything that mattered to you so you don't feel like you're leaving things undone.
Step 2: Expect Good Things
Even if you resent the fact that you have to move away from your job selling Toronto condos or leave your friends, allow yourself to hope that things will be even better in St. Paul. Plan to visit some attractions that interest you. Make a list of what you'd like in a new home. Discard the notion that to enjoy your new life means betraying your old one. If your old friends are really your friends they will want you to be happy.
Step 3: Stay in Contact
The first few weeks in a new city are usually the most difficult. New people and situations will be piling up, demanding to be dealt with or adapted to, and it's bound to get a little overwhelming. Therefore it's important that you have friends or family to turn to for support, even if they're far away. So whether it's the local horse waterers association from your former hometown, your mother, or an old friend from school, have a list of phone numbers and emails on hand for the tough times.
Step 4: Dive In
The goal is to integrate into your new community, so don't let yourself rely on old friends and contacts too much. You must get involved in St. Paul. Visit your local library branch or read the Star Tribune's community events section to see what's happening. To meet people you can: get a job, take a lesson, join a club, or if you're foreign, take English as a second language. Canada and Minnesota have similar weather patterns, so if there's a sport you like chances are there's an amateur league you can play in.
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