Did I tell you I moved?

After living in the same beautiful home for 41 years, my husband Jim and I decided to move to a rental apartment about 20 minutes away, in the lovely little town of Exeter, NH. 

We didn't think we were that serious about moving, but while looking at apartments in the area, thinking it would be nice to say goodbye to snow shoveling, lawn moving, and house maintenance, we were shown a top floor, newly renovated apartment overlooking the Squamscott and Exeter Rivers.

The ten-minute walk to downtown, library, and restaurants, beautiful views from our deck, and the community indoor lap pool (if you've read my posts, you know I'm a swimmer) made it an easy decision. We said yes and started the process in motion.

I say it was an easy decision, but I had not anticipated the emotions I'd go through saying goodbye to our home in Portsmouth, the home we'd lived in since we were in our early 30s. This year we'll celebrate our 52nd wedding anniversary. A lot of wonderful memories in that place.

Gradually, however, we've been settling into our new surroundings. It seems every day there's a new adventure--a walk along the river; new wildlife and waterfowl everywhere; a new restaurant to try out; a bridge club, French table, and all kinds of fun things at the library, and concerts and plays at the local academy. 

Some Takeaways

My early takeaways are many. A big one is that even while going through the emotions of leaving our long-time home, I understood on some gut level that this was a positive move.

Another was how fun it's been to discover different life patterns, habits, and daily routines. The new surroundings generate new energy, new friends, and a variety of activities we wouldn't have found otherwise. I feel enlivened by it all.

A third is how much of an impact a new location can have. The water and city views from our apartment are beautiful and meditational. I can sit anywhere in the apartment and stare at the beauty. The rivers come with their own adventures--watching kayakers, crew teams, and paddleboarders has been fun, not to mention the bald eagle who has a nest nearby and the herons, osprey, and cormorants.

But maybe the most important awareness is how even though you know you're making the "right" move and are happy about it, there's some sadness. Whether it be a new city, job, friend group, partner, or other big life change--especially if the change involves letting go of something or someone that's been a consistent part of your life-- it comes with mixed emotions. Personally, I had to grieve before I could fully find the joy in our new direction.

“When patterns are broken, new worlds emerge.”  So says Tuli Kupferberg, counterculture poet, author, and singer. It's been true for me.

Signing off with Good ki!