Life offers many moments that demand reorientation—starting a new job, moving to a new home, or entering a new relationship. These events often force us to pause, observe, and recalibrate.
As someone currently living a nomadic lifestyle—moving to a new location every few weeks—I’ve been immersed in a constant state of reorientation. This experience has taught me that reorientation isn’t just a response to change; it’s a practice of intentional awareness that unlocks growth, connection, and creativity.
But what if reorientation didn’t require a major life event? What if you could choose to reorient yourself to your relationships, routines, and surroundings, even in the midst of the ordinary?
Let me share a few stories and insights that might inspire you to embrace reorientation in your own life.
The Power of Fresh Eyes
When I lived in Virginia, my routines were optimized and predictable. Life was smooth and efficient—a well-oiled machine. But efficiency has its costs. Over time, my routines became a filter that obscured possibilities.
Since embarking on my walkabout, the pendulum has swung in the opposite direction. Each new place demands that I reorient myself to a fresh set of surroundings, people, and rhythms.
For instance, every time I move, I ask myself:
- Where is the nearest grocery store?
- Where will I run?
- How does my schedule shift in this new time zone?
When staying with friends, the questions deepen:
- How do their routines intersect with mine?
- What meals will we share, and which will I prepare alone?
- How does our relationship evolve when sharing physical space?
These questions aren’t just logistical—they open opportunities for learning and connection.
It’s like I spent my life forming a thick layer of ice across a lake. That ice made it easy to walk across the lake and get to the other side. But in doing so, I’ve locked away everything underneath the ice, removing it from my awareness.
By pausing to reorient myself, I experience my surroundings with fresh eyes. I’m reminded of the richness beneath the surface of life, often hidden when we stay within familiar patterns. I’m gradually breaking up the ice to rediscover the wonders within the lake.
The Espresso Machine
Take, for example, my recent espresso experience. I travel with a small pod-based espresso machine. This is a very efficient delivery mechanism for my morning caffeine. It’s predictable, quick, and does not offer novelty or adventure.
This week, I stayed with a friend who roasts his own coffee. I cannot speak for my friend, but if I roasted my own coffee and someone came to visit and brought their own espresso machine, I think I might be offended—disappointed at a minimum.
As I integrated into his household, I spent the week learning about roasting coffee. I’ve been trained on his fancy espresso machine and have made my own espresso like a barista. It’s opened up a new world of flavor and experience for me. I discovered joy and growth in an unexpected place by stepping out of routine.
Next week, I’ll return to my pod-based espresso maker, but I’ll carry a richer experience with me.
Reorienting Without a Life Event
While my nomadic lifestyle makes reorientation unavoidable, you don’t need a big change to practice this. You can reorient yourself in small, everyday ways.
Here are a few ideas to explore:
- Routines: Look at a routine in your life and ask, “What am I overlooking? How could I approach this with curiosity?”
- Relationships: Consider how you show up with your partner, child, or coworker. Is your interaction on autopilot? How might you shift your way of being to open new possibilities?
- Spaces: Walk into a room in your home and imagine you’re seeing it for the first time. How would you design it differently?
Reorientation doesn’t have to mean upending your life. It’s about bringing a spirit of curiosity to the everyday—pausing to see the world with fresh eyes.
Putting It Into Practice
Reorientation can be as simple or profound as you make it. Here’s a framework to try:
- Pause: Notice when you’re going through the motions.
- Observe: Ask yourself, “What am I not seeing here?”
- Shift: Try one small change—a different perspective or action.
- Reflect: What did you learn? How did it feel?
This practice has been transformative for me. It has broken the ice of old routines and opened up a world of discovery beneath the surface.
Where might your life benefit from a little reorientation?
Walkabout Corner
I had a brilliant plan for January and the cold winter months. It was the perfect time to visit Texas. I spent the past week in Dallas, staying with a good friend and connecting with several others. The warm weather part did not go as planned, with lows below freezing and several inches of snow! While I hadn’t planned on snow, seeing the land blanketed in white proved to be a real treat.
Another treat was staying in a home with pets again—a first since my walkabout began in November. It was delightful to take a cat nap with actual cats. Thank you to my Dallas hosts and the friends who made the trek to connect with me throughout the week. And my sincere apologies to the many additional Dallas friends I could not connect with. I’ll stay longer next time!
I am an executive coach and life coach with software executive roots in higher education and EdTech. I coach because I love to help others accelerate their growth as leaders and humans. I frequently write about #management, #leadership, #coaching, #neuroscience, and #arete.
If you would like to learn more, schedule time with me.
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