But it can also be exciting …
In sept 2023 our little family packed up 8 suitcases and started our new adventure. We have officially been in Roseville, California for about 2 weeks. We have unpacked, the kids have started school, and we have started to find our feet. Although this huge change has been overwhelming and difficult at times, I have tried to see the beauty in a new beginning. A fresh start.
My first priority was to tackle the Jet lag.
Here are some of things we did:
- Changed our clocks to our new time.
- Waited out for dark, for sleep time (even if our eyes were super heavy)
- Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate
- Avoid caffeine (if you can)
Tips for the perfect sleep environment:
- Cool, dark room
- Do a meditation app
Even with following all my tips, I (and the kids) still woke up at 4am for a couple of days. By the two-week mark, we were all doing much better.
Have you ever seen Steve job’s 2005 Stanford commencement speech?
He speaks about connecting the dots. That by dropping out of college he could focus on the classes that actually interested him. Jobs says that by following his intuition and curiosity he was able to trust that everything was going to turn out ok. I guess in some ways I feel the same way about our new adventure. Just trusting that this is all going to work out for us.
He struggled to connect the dots going forward but looking back he could see how impactful one class could be to personal computers of today. I often look back and connect my dots, I have focused on the lessons of failure but more importantly never gave up. I am hoping that this adventure teaches my kids the value of resilience. Learning that they can overcome difficulties and that life is all about leaning into the journey. The kids’ new school has welcomed us with open arms. So far, the biggest thing to get used to, is no school uniform for them and getting a hot lunch every day in the cafeteria.
Jobs speaks about the importance of finding what you love. He reminds us ‘that time is limited and, “don’t waste it living someone else’s life.’ I am so lucky to have the freedom of doing a job I love, something that I am truly passionate about (more about my burnout recovery coaching for moms), while still being the mom that I want to be. To do the drop offs, the extra-murals and even the pta. (or in my case the PTC).
While getting use to driving on the ‘wrong’ side of the road and doing my own laundry has taken some time to get used to. My no 1 priority will always be, being a mom. However, that doesn’t mean that I never struggle. Learning to co-regulate with the children has been so valuable, especially in those first couple of days on my own with the kids. Want to know more about this, check out this awesome podcast. Through lots of OT (occupational therapy) I have learnt that proprioception is great for both of my children, even though they are so different. We did lots of bear hugs, wheelbarrow walking and challenges in the airport and over those first couple of days to help the kids cope.
Have you ever moved countries with your kids? I would love to know more. Email me @ michellepittco@gmail.com