My life changed dramatically back in October of last year when we left Victoria and moved across the country to Windsor, yet we’ve settled in to our new home so quickly and well that it’s strange to think we’ve been here such a very short time! Sometimes I have to remind myself just how different things are for me these days.
- I’m living in a brand new city, in another province, in a whole different part of the country.
- My home is a very old, fully detached house, not a newer townhouse or condo.
- My immediate family is some 4,000 km away from me.
- My co-workers and friends are also some 4,000 km away from me.
- For the first time in a couple of decades I no longer work full-time, and as of April will be working even fewer hours.
- My workspace is a room in my home, instead of a downtown Victoria office shared with my co-workers.
- I am writing every day.
- I am taking better care of myself by making good food choices and getting enough sleep.
- I am losing weight and starting to feel better about myself.
- I am spending less money on frivolous, unnecessary things.
- I have more energy and enthusiasm and hope for new ventures and possibilities.
- I am making new friends, and it’s not as difficult as I thought it would be.
- I am happier, more content, and excited about the future.
Several people wondered why on earth we a) chose to leave Victoria, and b) chose to move to Windsor, of all places… but despite the physical distance between me and my loved ones and old friends (plus the fact that tornado season appears to have started a couple of months early!), moving here was the absolute best decision we could have made.
I feel a tremendous sense of empowerment and strength, because WOW… we did this! We identified issues that needed to be dealt with, came up with solutions to address those issues, put a plan in place, and, most importantly, successfully executed our plan.
If we can do this, we can do anything!
The other day my husband told a friend that it’s like suddenly we’re in the springtime of our lives.
He’s right. And I wouldn’t change it for anything.
sandra tyler March 16, 2012 at 7:59 pm
So envigorating just to hear someone so happy? Good for you for having the courage to make a change in the first place. Not easy.
sandra tyler recently posted… Writer Weds Hop!
Dawn
Twitter: ABCsalad
March 17, 2012 at 10:56 am
Thank you!
Dawn recently posted… Musings on moving
a.eye March 16, 2012 at 10:01 pm
Great achievements that you have reached by moving and refocusing!! Congrats
a.eye recently posted… Fight the powers that be
Dawn
Twitter: ABCsalad
March 17, 2012 at 10:57 am
Thank you! It needed to happen, and I’m reaping the benefits.
Dawn recently posted… Musings on moving
Becky March 16, 2012 at 10:31 pm
I agree with your first commenter. An Internet full of negativity makes me feel so weighed down. It’s great getting to hear when things are going well, too–especially as a result of big changes.
Dawn
Twitter: ABCsalad
March 17, 2012 at 10:57 am
I know what you mean, Becky. We get enough of that on the news every day!
Dawn recently posted… Musings on moving
Susan
Twitter: susandusterhoft
March 16, 2012 at 11:03 pm
Moving away from family and friends is always hard to do. I did it myself, moved 3000 miles with just my husband. No family or friends at the destination, but we made it work and are very happy. It’s a great feeling when you make a plan, execute it and succeed. Congrats!
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Dawn
Twitter: ABCsalad
March 17, 2012 at 10:58 am
It really is! Thank you.
Dawn recently posted… Musings on moving
Elizabeth March 16, 2012 at 11:57 pm
I love when things just WORK OUT. The funny thing is they always seem to in the end, but yet we all live in fear of change.
Elizabeth recently posted… Joy.
Dawn
Twitter: ABCsalad
March 17, 2012 at 10:58 am
Very true!
Dawn recently posted… Musings on moving
Kathy March 17, 2012 at 12:36 am
It sounds like you are moving at lightning speed in the right direction!! Must be hard to be so far away from family and friends.
Kathy
http://gigglingtruckerswife.blogspot.com
Kathy recently posted… Doubt
Dawn
Twitter: ABCsalad
March 17, 2012 at 10:59 am
Yes, that’s one of the drawbacks. Thank goodness for Skype and a no-limits long distance phone plan!
Dawn recently posted… Musings on moving
Elise March 17, 2012 at 1:17 am
Ahhh – so nice! I am personally a huge fan of moving and it’s because I love the energy and perspective that a new place can bring. This sounds like an excellent move for you and I loved your husband’s description of it as springtime.
Elise recently posted… Blue Skies Literally and Figuratively
Dawn
Twitter: ABCsalad
March 17, 2012 at 11:00 am
I never thought I’d ever leave Victoria, and yet I’m really enjoying the changes we’ve made!
Dawn recently posted… Musings on moving
Masked Mom March 18, 2012 at 9:07 pm
This post is very inspiring to me–as a person who is terrified of change, it’s good for me to see such a positive outcome from such a major change. I really admire your attitude and determination.
Masked Mom recently posted… I Know You Are But What Am I?
Dawn
Twitter: ABCsalad
March 18, 2012 at 11:10 pm
Thank you so much – that means a lot to me!
Dawn recently posted… “My” place
Jenn March 19, 2012 at 7:41 am
Wow you have made quite the move!! However–moving isn’t always a bad thing–and it sounds like things are really working well for you!! Congrats. And Windsor is just across the river from Michigan, where I am originally from (I don’t live there now). So when I go up to visit family, I’ll wave as I pass the bridge!!
Cheers, Jenn
Jenn recently posted… Reflection
Dawn
Twitter: ABCsalad
March 19, 2012 at 10:05 am
I can’t believe how close we are to the US – I’ll have to get there one of these days!
Dawn recently posted… “My” place
The M Half March 19, 2012 at 12:26 pm
Good for you! Moving is a pain in the arse, but it can be so rewarding. We moved less than a year ago from Phoenix, Arizona to Austin, Texas and I already feel like this is totally where home is supposed to be. Even when I see giant mosquitos. I don’t like them very much, but eh. I’ll get over it.
I’d love a post telling us how you’re making friends. Writers are often an introspective, sortof wallflower kinda crowd. Very intelligent, observant, and sometimes a little hesistant to join in the fray. How are you making friends in Windsor, especially when you are working in your home instead of a shared office?
My best to you!
The M Half recently posted… GBE2: Vacation list
Dawn
Twitter: ABCsalad
March 19, 2012 at 4:55 pm
I’ll do that sometime – thanks for the blog prompt idea!
Dawn recently posted… “My” place