THE top question of me this last few months has been:
How are you settling in?
And my answer?
Wonderfully thanks!
Now, as I look back, I see I was putting a positive spin on the whole move.
You see, no matter how many times I move, I remember the good bits about relocating – the excitement of seeing or doing things for the very first time, meeting new people, being inspired by different perspectives, trying new foods or activities.
And I simply forget how much arduous and tedious work, decision making and time it takes to move people, possessions and priorities from one location to another, for months on either side of the actual move.
This move could potentially have been our easiest yet, from Vanuatu with only what we could fly with, back to the house we own in Sandgate, Australia.
Perhaps for this very reason, we took the opportunity to add complications:
- Let’s travel for six months before we settle – requiring speedy purchase of big ticket items such as 4WD car and camper trailer, and finding all the camping gear and clothes we had buried in our storage shed.
- Let’s really drill down to where in Australia we want to settle – as before, or across town, or another state altogether. We weighed up the pros and cons of lifestyle, employment opportunities, schools and cost of living for hours and hours.
- Let’s do our very best to ensure this will be our last move for 7 years so our children can have stability in high school, that is, put real pressure on ourselves to make the right choice in terms of location and schools in that location.
- Let’s decide on our three top choices, only to discover the only place booming at the moment with specialised engineering roles for my husband is Sydney, not on our preferred list of locations at all, being so very big, busy and expensive to buy in.
Obstacles and complications overcome, we are now settling into Sandgate. Our children are in their first term of new schools and are making friends. My husband is currently working in Sydney, hopefully Brisbane soon.
I’m thoroughly enjoying welcoming new health coaching clients into my practice, both online and in person. The addition of spreading the word of the effectiveness and affordability of the healthy cleaning and personal care Norwex range has melded beautifully, as it aligns with my passion to help families create a healthier household.
I’m feeling rooted
Not in the Australian slang version of the term, although as it can mean exhausted or broken, that was true at times.
As in, I’m feeling grounded, content, fitting in, belonging, nourished, welcome, supported.
I like it.
I’ve also noticed home isn’t one place to me anymore. I feel at home here in Sandgate Queensland. I also feel at home in Launceston, Tasmania and in Newcastle, New South Wales. In many ways, I also feel connected with Guiseley UK; Vancouver Canada, Kimbe PNG; Nuku’alofa Tonga, Port Vila, Vanuatu and Currimundi Queensland. My ‘other homes’.
It feels good to have more than one place that feels like home, as I know it won’t be long before I get itchy feet to travel or shake things up a bit.
So, I’ve thought of three key ways I can feel rooted and free simultaneously:
Diversity Here
I’ll think creatively to ensure variety and change within our life here in Sandgate. So far I’ve invited a Japanese exchange student to stay in our home, and am joining various groups for different perspectives.
Holidays Away
I’ll dream up adventurous travel, within Australia and overseas, with Tasmania booked in already!
Connections Everywhere
I’ll stay in touch with the beautiful people we crossed paths with while relocating, some still in those locations, others having also moved on, enjoying seeing what is inspiring them, through their eyes.
What would you add?
Is feeling rooted important to you? Or is feeling free to move more so?
Do share your insights by commenting below, cheers!
