It’s hard to believe it’s been almost three years when I first set eyes on Asheville and let my heart lead me here. It was at the NC Center for Creative Retirement weekend about relocating in retirement (held every Memorial weekend) where I made my decision that this is where I belonged.
I remember when I was waiting for each of my children to be born. Although I was excited to be pregnant, I couldn’t imagine how this new little person would change my life. Once the baby was born, I couldn’t imagine life without her (I had all girls). The same happened when I was thinking of moving. I KNEW what my life was like in Pennsylvania–but my new life–blank. It was scary.
Now looking at the good friends I’ve made and the wonderful times I’ve had here–it’s hard to imagine what my life would have been like had I chose to stay where I was. It’s been a gradual evolution. At first everything is new–from where to put your shoes in your new home–to finding where the grocery store–to meeting your new neighbors. There were days when it can be exhausting. Before long, however, new routines became part of my life.
So much of it has to do with attitude. As you approach your new life, do you think of it as an adventure or filled with fear? Are you open to exploring different experiences or are you constantly comparing what you used to have and thinking about what you have given up? In every situation, there are trade-offs. Hopefully, your new life ends up on the plus side of positives. If not, you can always make another change. People are so afraid of making a mistake that they don’t take any risks. Life is full of lessons and by taking a step, you have learned more about what works or doesn’t work.
