Is this you?

You have a move coming up. Perhaps it’s a choice you made and a thrilling new beginning awaits, or perhaps it’s a move out of necessity leaving a trail of bittersweet memories behind.  Either way, your thoughts and feelings are overwhelming you and basically paralyzing you from getting what needs to get done, done.  All the planning and preparation is quite overwhelming.  You have to close shop to a home you’ve been nurturing and growing for the last few years.  You now realize how much you’ve accumulated over time and now you have to go through each and every single item and decide: sell, discard or pack them. It’s a daunting task that might seem to have no end.

Where do you even start and How? I’ve been through that process more than I care to count.  Prayer and nurturing myself spiritually will always be my number 1, yet it sometimes feels like I start slacking when I’m so caught up in the overwhelm and overthinking.

Here are 3 things that have helped me during these transitions. 

Get a Coach

Yup, a coach.  You might say though, “I have a friend who gives amazing advice! What do I need a coach for?”  Ah, hold on to that friend! I have a few of them and LOVE them dearly. However, let me ask you: “How do you feel when she/he tells you what “they would do”? Is it something that you truly feel is in alignment with who you are and how YOU would go about things? And how often do you ACTUALLY DO what they recommend?  In reality, it’s just a temporarily relief and gives us the false illusion that we have a plan. (Note, telling someone what they would do in their shoes is different from giving resources) We all love to give advice, it’s just part of our nature to want to help.   However, the value of a coach extends far beyond helping someone reach their goals.  They help you dig deep to uncover what you truly need while discovering the underline beliefs that have been working against you. They curiously ask questions to see the patterns of your thinking, what serves you and what doesn’t, what’s keeping you stuck and unproductive and, together, unlock your inner resourcefulness. This, btw, is what I do! 😉

Be strategic

Having a tangible plan can make a world of difference. I didn’t always go by this method.  In the past, I kept all plans and “To-Do Lists” in my head, or on random pieces of paper that I’d lose.  That definitely didn’t help me feel organized and resourceful, and it created more work and stress.  Anyone else relate with me?

So, I decided to be “more organized” and created a PDF to help me have clarity and everything written and out of my mind.  In it i have an excel spreadsheets for all my items i was selling, things needed to travel with my cat, reminders of when to cut the electricity and Wi-Fi, and so on.  It was so helpful for me I’m making it available to you for FREE, just go….

Ask for Help

It’s easy to fall into the trap of believing that asking for help is unnecessary or bothersome. I’ll admit it, this was me. I’m pretty capable at doing things on my own, so I didn’t see the need.  The truth is, as humans, we want to help and contribute. You asking for help, in a way, makes them feel needed and a part of your life. Having practical help will help you move so much faster and let go of things you think you don’t want to let go of.  During one of my moves, I had a friend who came over, she was going to help me clean, she’s a machine of a cleaner and I ALWAYS need help with that!  She walked into my spare bedroom and saw all the clothes i had sorted out to give away out on my bed.  You couldn’t even see the bed!! I wanted to sell some of it and give the rest to friends.  But things weren’t moving (plus they were all my size 2 clothes that didn’t fit me nor did it fit anyone i knew 😂) so she just said, “Margie, it’s gotta go! You’ll feel better and it will look like things are moving out. The gypsies that go by will take it and they can use it. It won’t be wasted!”  (Obviously this wasn’t in the US) 3 trips out to the curb and 10 minutes later, the bags of clothes were gone!!  And i felt amazing and relieved!  So ask for help, and if you’re having trouble asking, that’s something you can explore with a coach (aka: me) to figure out what’s the underline resistance.

OK, I know I said 3, but I think this one is kinda important.  Schedule time for yourself!   Relax and get your mind in a different place. Schedule THAT IN! It’s important!  Perhaps you’re the type that thinks, “I’ll relax when I get to my final destination.”  It’s vital to step away and rejuvenate, it will support you in having a clear mind and the energy for all the things you have to do.

Be present and enjoy every moment you have. When I know I’m moving, my mind checks out and starts worrying of all the things that needs to get done, or I’m wallowing in sadness and both scenarios keeps me disconnected from the present and the time I have left with my friends, my favorite spots, and just smelling the roses.  Your body will be grateful too.  This is just a small chapter in your life and a temporary one.  Soon enough you’ll be settling into your new home.