It's been quite the adventure. Sure, I've done trans-Atlantic (Pacific?) moves before, from Boston to Hawai'i, barely knowing a soul. But somehow wrapping up a full-time job and leaving an apartment on the very same day, was as hard as I thought it would be! And as we all know, doing anything in NYC is more difficult and expensive than anywhere else.
I didn't realize how stressed I was until I arrived here!
But I actually wanted to start out this blog post with some self-appreciations:
2. SLOW DOWN AND NOTICE. Since arriving, I made an intentional decision to slow down and notice all the little things. Like the sweet fragrant air here. (Is it the cacti?) All the friendly people—when they’re not driving—and they actually give eye contact! How shocking. I noticed people are happy to chat and joke with strangers. Such a refreshing new experience for me.
3. LEAN IN TO MY GUT. I leaned into my intuition, and my gut, and tapped into how I felt-- what I need financially, but also emotionally and mentally. And I ended up saying no to a job that just didn’t feel right right now. I’m getting better at noticing what does feel right to me, and that's a great feeling.
4. TAKE A BREATH. Again, going with the flow, taking things one at a time, including not letting my partner’s restimulations (anxiousness) trigger me as well. Moving is not easy. And we’re all going to get triggered at some point. It doesn’t take a lot more energy to choose the high road (just a little humility!) and extend a little more patience in that moment. And the other person will appreciate it too, even if they can't say so right then.
5. FOCUSING ON ME. While other people around me may be arguing or getting stressed over minutiae, choosing to not let myself get sucked into their energy and little details. Instead, letting it roll over me like a pebble in the river, and choosing instead to focus on what is important to me. Making time for my creative business. Getting to the pool, even if for a brief swim. Making a delicious chai tea (Twinings!) and letting myself recover from an intense move, wrapping up a hectic full-time job, and taking things just one action item at a time. It feels so good to not rush and be rushed.
I’m really pleased with myself and with my decision. And so excited to get to focus on me, my projects, my creativity, my self-care whether it’s my body, finances, relationships. I’m so grateful and excited to get to DO ME!
Many of you out there may be thinking, well that's all fine for you, but what about the rest of us still on the hamster wheel day-in and day-out? You're not on a temporary vacation, but it's still the same challenges-- or opportunities-- we get to think about. Life is about finding our ME TIME, even whilst we're moms, or full-time professionals, or diving into the ins and outs of a new city. It is TOTALLY POSSIBLE!
Thinking 'WHAT DO I NEED?'
Whether it's Sunday night, Wednesday afternoon, or weekday mornings.
Is it more exercise? Is it bringing more packed lunches to work?
How can I set up my short weekend time, so I strike a balance of getting things I need to get done to prepare for the week AND also time to rejuvenate, relax and recharge with some real QUIET time?
It inevitably means letting some things go (I won't get around to vacuuming this weekend), cutting some things out (no partying Saturday night so I can go row Sunday morning), and splurging on others (taking a cab to save me an hour on the train).
Is it stretching in the mornings?
Getting up a half hour earlier to do a guided meditation?
Making smoothies in the mornings?
I LOVE mornings. For me, having that ME TIME to myself in the morning is a key way for me to set off a busy day on the right foot.
Equally important, what about my bedtime routines so that I am giving myself enough space (timewise and mental) to truly unwind (read fiction, no devices) so I can get a good quality of sleep?
What does my body and mental health need after the usual lunch coma? Is it really more coffee? Or a walk outside and my favorite iced chai tea and a quick Starbucks break?
And.. I'd LOVE to hear how it goes! Feel free to add a comment below of what your new tweak in your routine is or for a little more privacy, email me at shiuan dot butler at g m a i l.
Have a lovely week!