Bloom Where You're Planted: Bloomin' Monday: Final Thoughts

Sunday, March 25, 2012

Bloomin' Monday: Final Thoughts

Hi friends,

I have enjoyed this little series on Making the Most of Moving to a New Town, and I hope you have, too.

If you've moved even one time, it's likely that you've experienced a letdown after getting the boxes unpacked. There are many reasons for this, but the main one for me tends to be unmet expectations. Before moving, I always (well, at least usually) have these visions of how much better things will be in the next place. I'll be more organized. The kids will play more nicely together. I'll finally get motivated to lose these last 15 pounds. I'll invite more people over. I'll know my neighbors better. You get the idea.

So why don't those things happen?

I figured out the answer. Are you ready?

Wherever you go, there you are.

Did you get that? Let me try again.

Wherever you go, there YOU are.

All 12 addresses we have shared since getting married 13 years ago have one thing in common: we have lived there. Moving won't make me suddenly more organized. I won't suddenly turn into The Hostess with the Mostest. The kids won't suddenly stop bickering just because the location has changed.

Now, this can be a real downer. I mean, you've got all these plans and dreams for how things will be "when we get there." And yes, sometimes moving can make a big difference. If you move from a cramped apartment with half your stuff in a storage building into a house double the size of your apartment, things can get a lot better (except when you realize that all the stuff formerly in storage is now taking up that extra room). But don't expect a move to solve all of your problems.

On the upside, there is freedom in this. It also means that you don't have to wait for a move or other major life event to make changes. Want to be more organized? Start decluttering a few minutes each day. Want to lose 15 pounds? Make better choices at each individual meal. Want to invite people over more often? Then just do it. Want the kids to stop bickering? (I've got nothing to offer here. Anyone??)

Not long ago, David and I were in a "U-Haul mood" and found a house online that would be just wonderful. I caught myself thinking those "what if" and "if only" thoughts. But I soon remembered that no house or situation is perfect. Sure there might be some things that are better, but there will also be things that are not as good.

It all comes down to contentment.

I wish I could tell you that I have mastered this. I haven't. In fact, one of the reasons I haven't written on this blog in a while is because I have been struggling with discontent. Most of it relates to the expectations I place on myself. Maybe I'll write more about that later. Maybe not.

But as this relates to moving, go ahead and make big plans. Enjoy the process! (I know that seems impossible at times.) Make the changes that you can make. But just realize that you will still be you after your address changes. Your husband will still be your husband, and your kids will still be your kids (Lord willing). And those are wonderfully good things.