While I've only lived in California for about four months, I feel like I've settled in enough to reflect on what I've learned from my cross-country move. I know that it's something a lot of people do at some point on their lives, so I wanted to share what I've learned in case it helps anyone else in any way with such a huge life change!

1. We, as humans, are very adaptable. I wouldn't say that I'm particularly good with change (who is?) but I've definitely come to accept that it's part of life. When I first got here everything seemed so strange and different and honestly, I was pretty judgmental about it,. Now, though, it just is what it is. Mark and I were driving home from somewhere the other day and I was musing about how I'm used to our life here. That isn't to say that I don't miss my life in Minneapolis, but I've adapted and gotten used to new things.

2. It's not as scary as you may think! I was terrified to move to California and leave everything and everyone I knew behind, but it really wasn't as bad as I had anticipated. Technology makes it so easy to stay in touch with people. I'm in communication with my friends and family in some form pretty much every day, whether it's Snapchat, text, or phone calls. I'll be honest, having someone that I was moving to (Mark) definitely made all the difference. I think it would be pretty scary to move across the country all my yourself!

3. Making friends is hard. Let me preface this by saying that I really haven't tried that hard. I came in with good intentions of asking other bloggers out to lunch, and joining groups on Meetup. Then the idea of actually doing all of these things gave me anxiety and seemed so daunting, and well I just really love Netflix and staying in. The friends that I've made so far have all had Minnesota connections of some sort. Which could be a whole other learned item: it's such a small world! If you do move somewhere new, chances are that you know someone who knows someone there. Reach out to people and find out. Because, honestly I think that makes meeting people way less intimidating!

4. Keeping busy is essential for sanity. In the beginning, before I started working, I just had all of this time to sit around and think about how lonely I was, or how I didn't have any friends or a job yet. Making plans and getting out of the house are so worth it to keep you sane!

5. Take advantage of the time you have in your new city/state. You never know when something will come up and you'll have another cross country move, so take advantage of all the new things to see and do. That's what I love about where we are: there are so many amazing places just a drive away. I think we've done a pretty good job of trying new places so far, but there's so much more to see!

Well, that's all! I'd love to hear if you have any tips or experiences to share about moving cross-country!

xo Catherine