One of the two biggest components to any relocation experience are the power of observation, and the ability to adapt.
I was reminded of this on my recent trip to Sedona, Arizona.
Landscape Changes Being from New York City, the first thing I noticed was the absence of tall buildings, and the presence of red rock monoliths.
Instead of my usual disinterested walk-by, I felt the urge to photograph these huge rock-gods from every angle possible.
Of course - it's because they are new, and different to me, and looking at them fills me with a sense of wonder that I want to be able to connect with after I return home.
Cultural Behavior Next, I notice that everyone is naturally friendly, and wants to connect.
When I go hiking, every single person that passes me says hello and makes eye contact.
In New York, this does not happen often! If it did, we'd probably lose our voice every morning on the way to walk with all those hello's! Pace of Life The other big difference is that the flow of life is much slower.
In New York, I get caught up in running for the subway, walking quickly because everyone else does, and avoiding anyplace that requires a long wait for a product or service.
In Sedona, people walk and drive leisurely.
In fact, I found many of them driving under the speed limit! On the streets, there's a feeling of goodwill - passerby hold doors open rather than cut you off, and people want to help you, rather than get in your way.
Activities/ Adaptability I tend to sleep late whenever possible, and work out in the gym in the evening.
Summertime heat in Sedona forced me to awaken at 6am, hike outside in the morning, and then keep my afternoons free.
I was amazed at how easy it was for me to rise so early.
Of course, the city seems to close up by 9pm, so it makes early to bed, early to rise quite easy.
Nature In Manhattan, without going to another borough or city, our main connection with nature is Central Park.
So, finding myself surrounded with nature was an uplifting experience.
However, nature comes with wildlife, and seeing tarantulas and javelinas (they resemble wild boar) was, well, a bit shocking! There are many, many changes you will notice when you relocate.
I've tried to highlight a few categories that would apply to most relocations.
As you notice the changes, you will undoubtedly notice a reaction - could be happiness, could be frustration, etc.
Within these reactions, you will begin to either develop resistant behavior, or to adapt to your surroundings.
Learning to adapt goes a long way to making the transition smooth, and opening you up to new opportunities.