Moving is an adrenaline-rushing, heart-pumping race against deadlines usually set by someone else. There’s (hopefully) some excitement about the new location, followed by a seemingly endless list of logistics, all the goodbyes, and then the actual move.
I’ve moved across oceans multiple times, and I’ve moved to a nearby town multiple times. In every move, there is a honeymoon phase. It’s like, “Oh wow, this is new! Everyone stay pumped! Eyebrows up, smiles on, and pom-poms in hand! Clean the bathrooms, update the address, explain to the little one there is no (insert a favorite thing) here.
Everything is an adventure. Everything feels new. Your senses are in overdrive from experiencing all the newness.
Inevitably, as with all honeymoons, it doesn't last forever—it’s not supposed to last forever. When the let-down sets in, when the new location is more of a reminder of what and whom you miss than an exciting diversion, that's when the beauty of settling in begins. When you move a lot or make a big move, seasons of your life stand out to you quite a bit. You mark time based on what house, what location, which church. When you say hello to something new, you're saying goodbye to the old. There may be a bit of mourning, and that's okay. If this happens, try one of the following:
Get Outside—whether it’s a walk around your neighborhood, exploring a new-to-you park, or sitting in your backyard, being outside helps. If you have the energy, try a light jog or an exercise that gets you a little bit sweaty. It's good for your body and your mind!
Watch a relaxing show—maybe put some limits on your consumption--not that I’m speaking from experience here --ahem, I am. I’ve enjoyed happy shows like The Middle, The Waltons, Gilmore Girls, and Downton Abbey. There is something about shows that center on family and place that has been helpful to me.
Take a hot bath. Use magnesium/Epsom salt and light a lavender candle. Let yourself sit with your feelings or read an encouraging magazine like The Magnolia Journal—I also like Red for fun, British fashion. And since your body is detoxing, drink that water. ;)
Call or email someone who has made a similar move and would empathize with your fatigue and sadness.
Find a place you love and keep going there--even while exploring and venturing to new areas/establishments. It's so fun and steadying to have a place that's "your place."
Read a book that touches your soul. For me this meant reading a few easy-reading books along with the Bible. When we first moved here, I read a book around Christmas time that was the equivalent to a Hallmark movie, and that's what I needed! Now that we're more established, I can dig deeper into stout literature. *So many* things are challenging when you move, so being particular with what you read/consume on media is important. If I could go back, I wouldn't read the crazy news so obsessively.
Be gentle with yourself and your family. Moving is *hard* but you're making memories and having experiences that are unique and worth the effort.
I’d love to hear what has been helpful to you when coming out of the honeymoon phase of moving! Comment below and tell me about it. <3
*Photo credit: Paige Overturf Photography
**I am not a doctor--all advice is simply what has helped me and is not meant to take the place of a medical professional
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