Adjusting To Your New Hometown
Soon it will be "home"
![](https://n2-pubmanager-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/asset/file/11732265/high_quality_Lou_Dulien.jpeg)
Nothing stays the same. Growth requires change. When we stretch, we grow. Stretching can be hard.
Such a collection of bon mots ought to be nestled in a basket of fortune cookies. But if you’re reading this, then odds are you know all about these truths, because you’re up to your neck in change with the move to your new home. First, let us say, welcome! We’re glad you’re here.
And while change can be exciting, where you traveled from still lives large in your mind. Which is natural because that’s where all your known automatic maps are stored: who your hairstylist was, your favorite place for a cup of coffee, the quickest route to the dentist, and even the layout of your former grocery store. As with any new place, you’re starting from the ground up. So, to help with the transition, we’re offering a few Texas-friendly tips for turning your new zip code into your new hometown.
Create a support network before you need one.
As the expression goes, when’s the best time to plant a tree? Thirty years ago. When’s the next best time? Today. While you’ve moved away from old friends and haunts, the good news is you’ve built a life up from scratch at least once before. And probably multiple times in your past. You know what works and doesn’t work for you. So take advantage of that knowledge by nosing around and explore what’s out here with an eye for what gives you joy. And while it would be nice if a neighbor comes over and introduces themself to you, be the brave one by taking the first step. Break the ice by saying hello and making your introductions. The more generous you are, the odds are greatly improved that others will be generous back, especially with tips on locations and services that they enjoy around here.
Find your community happy place.
Humans tend to need three spheres in order to feel whole. A home place, a workplace, and a community place. We’re wired for connection, and if we get those needs met, then we’re building the foundation for greater contentment. There are no happy hermits. In trying something new, keep in mind that great ways to meet others are through religious centers, gyms, and community service clubs, such as the local Rotary Club, Lions Club, Kiwanis Club, and Women’s Club. And don’t overlook your hometown library, which may host book clubs and speakers on various local topics. You might be surprised that as you take a risk here and there; within a relatively short amount of time, these strangers may evolve into your new network of friends.
Be aware of your strengths and fragilities.
Be gentle with yourself. There are studies on the events that people find most stressful, and on a scale from one to 100, moving tends to land in the top 10. While humans are amazingly adaptive, we’re also not bullet-proof. It may take you a full year to feel as though your new community is really your hometown. Feeling like a stranger in a strange land for the first four seasons isn’t all that unusual. It may be just how long it takes for you to adjust to all the myriad of experiences. But after a while, you may notice an internal shift. You’ve made a few friends, you feel more oriented in your town, and all this current newness has evolved into a deeper relaxation that only comes from being home again.
...
CONTRIBUTORS
Lou Dulien
Lou has lived in Lakeway for three years. Owns a commercial real estate company. Is an avid outdoorsman that enjoys hiking, mountain biking, bowhunting, and time on/in/near the water. Married for almost 10 years and is a father to two wonderful children (Ryder and Ruby). When he’s not working or spending time with his family or outdoors, he loves Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and has been studying the art for over 10 years.
Barbara Carpenter
Barbara is the Chairman of the Lakeway Players, a community theatre in the heart of the Hill Country. She was a training director for 40 years for a number of organizations including the Metro in Washington, D.C. Having completed a bachelor's degree in Fine Arts at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, specializing in costume design, she finally was able to put her knowledge to work when she retired with her husband, Ted, in Lakeway in 2011.
Tosha Alvarez
Tosha is a born and raised Texan. She resides in the Hill Country where Lake Travis has been home for the past 10 years. She and her family are avid mountain bikers, outdoor enthusiasts and animal lovers. You’ll often find them swimming, hiking, or traveling. She is an active foster and adoption advocate with four beautiful children that keep her and her husband, Daniel, very busy. They enjoy exploring all that Austin has to offer their large, active family.
Dr. Michelle Cabret
Dr. Michelle, an Austin native, is a mother of two girls and COO of two surgery centers (Texas and Arizona) and a medical spa in Austin, Texas. She is dedicated to delivering first-class results while taking a comprehensive approach to health and wellness. After completing her surgical residency in Dallas, she dared to move to Arizona, but as her children became school-aged, she realized how Texas proud she was and insisted her children be educated in Texas.
Jamie Saverin
Jamie is a full-time mom to three little ones with another on the way and is the owner and coach of Wabi Sabi fitness and wellness programs to help women in her community connect and feel stronger together.
Kim Elliott
Kim, Owner of Camp Bow Wow Austin SW
In her previous life, as a business traveler, Kim felt guilty and worried about leaving her dogs behind. Now, as top dog at Camp Bow Wow Austin SW, it’s her goal to make pet parents comfortable and confident knowing their pups are safe, happy and healthy.