New locations, new experiences... Read on to find out all about my new start!
So I have been here now for a little over two weeks and it's been a busy (but successful) start!
My first week mainly involved moving into new accommodation, exploring the local areas and doing all of the usual practicalities of adulthood and relocation.
During my second week, I began work, explored some of the local acting communities and opportunities along with prioritised fixing some good routines.
I am now into my third week and this is all about meeting new people, discovering writing and poetry events and finally, enjoying the surrounding areas of countryside and city life.
My Highlights So Far:
joining a local theatre group and attending a Saturday acting workshop;
visiting Glasgow for the first time in order to see some of the sights, engage in a little shopping and go to the cinema;
getting out in the fresh air to do a run and admire the scenery at Beecraigs Country Park;
spending time in Edinburgh to do some writing;
and finally, attending an open mic poetry night for an evening of watching incredible talent!
Top Tips for Relocating:
Settling into a new and unfamiliar environment can feel strange, exciting, nerve-racking, surreal along with many other emotions! Those sudden doubts of 'what am I doing?' or 'can I do this?' are common and very normal- I have certainly had those moments with any big change I have faced. But below are a few of my top tips for easing any anxiety that comes with new starts and a change of location:
Creating a welcoming and homely living space that makes you feel safe, comfortable and calm. Whenever I move anywhere new, I always prioritise making my space a home. This is because when you start working, socialising and getting into your day to day routine, it suddenly becomes very difficult to then find the time to do this! Furthermore, it can keep you occupied and take your mind off any feelings of homesickness.
Following on from top tip number one, you might want to plan ahead and think of any basic necessities you might need and do a little shopping: whether that be for essentials or some little extras (like reed diffusers, cushions, throws etc) that all help to make your room/place a little more cosy!
Prepare and plan ahead when it comes to registering for essential services (i.e. finding your local GP surgery and dental practice etc). Sometimes the paperwork can take time, so I think it is always best to get a head start so that you are prepared in the event of any emergency or medical issue that might arise.
Travel and transport are also key factors to consider: whether that be your commute to work or discovering your local amenities. I am currently still researching the bus and train links along with the passes/deals available, as I want to establish my routines first before committing.
Remembering your why. Why have you moved there? This is really important to consider and it will help you during moments of self-doubt. Spend a little time everyday (morning, evening, throughout the day) reflecting on your reasons for being there. This will help to solidify your purpose thus make you feel much more empowered in your decision and new environment.
Your why might be because of a new job, a change of lifestyle, the opportunities available, the scenery, a new relationship etc. It could be one of these, a few of these, all of these or something entirely different! Whatever the reason, remember it and nurture it.
Try to maintain balance through good routines that will enhance both your physical and mental health. Prioritising good sleep, nutritious food, hydration, exercise, rest, self-care practices (like meditation and breath work) and just generally taking care of yourself (with daily 'check-ins') will help to provide a little stability during a time of change. Finally, keeping connected with others (your family and friends from before) can also supply you with a sense of grounding in between meeting lots of new people.
Lessons Learnt:
Don't overthink it! I have been consciously attending acting classes, poetry events and other 'meet and greets' without thinking too much about it beforehand. I know that I can have a tendency to think too much about whether or not to go thus end up talking myself out of it! Although I have felt a bit nervous initially, everything I have attended has been hugely enjoyable and I have either signed up or planned to return to the next event.
The benefits of going solo! We often feel like we would prefer to attend events with others, however, I have purposely experimented with going solo and it has been greatly beneficial. I do think this can be a little easier when networking and making friends, as most of the time when others see that you are by yourself, they will approach to say hi and introduce themselves. Moreover, if you're at an event specifically linked to a shared interest then that can serve as an excellent conversation starter!
Enjoy the experience and embrace discomfort! With everything being new, I decided that it was a good time to just throw myself into new experiences (that may be out of my comfort zone) and enjoy the unfamiliarity of the current present. It has been quite liberating to live in the moment, as opposed to giving in to the trappings of overthinking.
This is a snapshot of my experience so far and I will be posting a monthly blog: updating you on my adventures in Scotland along with my highlights and lessons learnt!
Thank you for reading my blog
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Stay tuned for 'Scotland: Chapter 2'!
xxx
You go girl! I’m proud of you, and wish you good luck with everything there.