A new location. A new start. A new experience.
But what will that look like?
In less than two weeks I am about to start the next chapter of my life. I am moving to Edinburgh to begin a new job, meet new people and have a whole host of brand new experiences. I feel both nervous and excited about this new venture because at the beginning of January I had no idea what I would be doing! It felt like I was at the bottom of a mountain and, even though I knew I'd love the view from the top, I had no clue how to get there. Often I think we know what the 'bigger picture' or 'vision' looks like, but we don't necessarily know what the immediate present steps should be to begin that long journey to 'the top'.
After a lot of thought and consideration, this feels like the right step in the right direction (sorry to quote a previous blog post!). It may not necessarily be the easiest route but for my own personal development and growth, it feels right. Naturally, I have worries, reservations and self-doubt but I guess this is all part and parcel of any great change or move.
Below I will share with you how I am both practically and emotionally preparing myself for this new chapter.
Practical Preparation
In a recent conversation with my amazing life coach Meera, she asked the crucial questions of: "what will this experience look like for you?" and "what do you want it to look like?" This got me thinking and this approach has been immensely helpful in my preparations for this upcoming adventure. I am now really considering what it is that I want this experience to be and therefore has served as an important reminder of the following statements:
I am in control of what this new venture could look like;
and I can shape the potential experiences that stand in front of me.
In my previous blogs for 2025, I have talked a lot about priorities and vision and this is where they become integral to my planning and preparation. As someone who is keen to develop their passion of writing and acting, whilst still protecting and prioritising their health and well-being, it begins to paint this future picture.
Below is a list of my practical preparations (that I am currently in the process of researching and organising) that will help to make my intentions a reality:
join a local theatre group to not only do something that I love but also to become part of a community;
attend performance poetry nights with a view to performing some of my own poems in order to push myself out of my 'comfort zone';
research and find out about local comedy clubs to meet new people and incorporate fun and joy into my weekly routine;
and finally, sign up for some running races to help me prioritise exercise/movement thus make progress towards improved physical and mental well-being.
As I have a little time now before the big move, it has been incredibly worthwhile to start considering how I can factor these priorities- of 2025- into my new life.
Positive Mindset
Yes, it can be so easy to think about the dreaded 'what ifs?' I know that I am guilty of often thinking about the worst case scenarios: What if this doesn't work out? What if I struggle with x, y and z? What if I'm not happy with this or that? There are so many unknowns but isn't that just life? There are never ever any guarantees so, yes we can try to protect ourselves from potential discomfort, disappointments and heartache and but does that really contribute to a valuable lived experience?
For me personally, I know that 2025 is all about stepping into my discomfort zone in order to develop more self-confidence and self-assurance thus gain ultimate fulfilment. I also know (deep down) that I am guilty of sometimes coming up with excuses as to why I can't do things... For example, I might say that I can't join a particular club as "I'm too busy" or "I just don't know if I can commit!" However, really I know it's my own fear holding me back; the fear of 'putting myself out there' and the uncomfortable feelings that can come with it...
Therefore, in the lead up to this exciting new chapter, I am currently working on growing a positive mindset. Instead of seeing potential problems, I am seeing opportunities. Instead of doubting my ability, I am reflecting on how far I've come. Instead of anticipating struggle, I am reminding myself of my ability to cope and handle any situation. Re-framing these negative thoughts - with more balanced, positive pieces of supported evidence- is not only much better for mindset but it's actually much more rooted in truth.
We are the lead character in our own lives and whether we realise it or not, we all do things every day that are truly admirable. So over the next week or so, I encourage you to tap into all the things that make you inspirational, strong and heroic and allow yourself to celebrate and be celebrated. You might see them as being small things but in the difficulties and struggles of everyday life, that is huge! Or perhaps the impact of your actions could be hugely beneficial to another: perhaps more so than you even realise. Whatever your admirable traits or actions are, congratulate yourself on them. This is a practice that I am currently adopting in order to view myself more compassionately thus create a more positive mindset moving forward.
Finally, as I turn the page for this new start, I am reminding myself that I am the author of my own life and it's me who gets to write this next chapter...
Thank you for reading my blog
~
I will keep you posted on my new journey!
xxx
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