I’ve taken steps (literally and figuratively) to change up things in my life. I’ve sold the house, paid off all bills, rented a storage unit (or 2, but that’s a long story), and moved myself and some of my stuff to Colorado. From Michigan. Crossed the Great Plains in between snow storms, arriving at the base of the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains in early December.
The drive was smooth and the sun came out after I passed through Illinois. I’ve spent the majority of my life in the Great Lakes region, and there are many things to love, but Winter is a gray, gray time. I made it easily to Lincoln, Nebraska the first day. And then another easy day took me into Colorado Springs. (Sorry Cathy, I wasn’t able to stop at the steak house in Grand Island. I drove through the area at 10 a.m., and it wasn’t open.)
The mountains are amazing. The sun sets behind their shoulders at 4:30, but rush hour lasts only about 30 minutes. There are trade offs…
Being focused on preparations for the trip and the actual driving has distracted my mind, and only now has it begun processing the COMPLETE CHANGE of my life circumstances. It’s been a week, but I’m busy in my dreams cleaning out apartments and imaginary offices, boxing things and sorting, and yelling at movers. I went from living by myself and being alone 90 percent of the time to having two full-time, retiree roommates (Hi Mom and Dad! Love you!). This means changes to the rhythms and sounds of my life.
Taking the time to notice the changes is a little scary. I am a little afraid to be consumed by the fear of the great unknown road I’ve put myself on. But, well… ‘fake it ’til you make it’ has been my mantra for years.
Thankfully, I have some amazing, non-fake support from friends and family for well, everything. For several months, my amazing friends and family have been sending me notes of encouragement and belief. They have taken for granted that everything will turn out okay. I believe that it will, most hours of the days. In the hours of worries, I have their words to absorb and feel profound gratitude. I wanted to share some of them with you, in case you need some encouragement and hope. You can borrow them and know that they are true for you, too.
(There are more, but unfortunately, they are a few that ended up “somewhere in my storage unit”….)
“… feel the support, compassion/And the simple joy of being loved/For the special person you are…”
“Wishing you adventure, purpose, laughter & light as you start an exciting new year…”
“I am happy that you get to… start on entirely new adventure. I don’t know what the future holds, but I do know it will be what you make of it. So don’t settle.”
“…this is the time to say ‘fuck you convention’ and start writing your OWN story.”
“Your whole story gets to change! How exciting.”
“You are Beautiful. You are amazing. You are Brave. You are wonderful.”
Christina's New Deal 